Bin Sulayem in turmoil

Interfered with penalty? FIA confirms investigation

FIA boss Mohammed bin Sulayem (right) in conversation with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner

(Bild: APA/AFP/ANDREJ ISAKOVIC)

After allegations of interference in a Formula 1 race against world governing body boss Mohammed bin Sulayem came to light, the FIA has confirmed investigations by its ethics committee. The International Automobile Federation has received a report containing detailed allegations against members of its governing bodies. FIA ethics officials would now examine these allegations "as is customary in these cases to ensure that due process is scrupulously followed".

The BBC had previously reported, citing an informant, that a time penalty against Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso had been revoked at the instigation of Bin Sulayem at last year's Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia. As a result, the Spaniard was able to keep his third place after all, contrary to the race stewards' original decision. It initially remained unclear why Bin Sulayem should have interfered.

Leaked without permission?
In a further statement to the AP news agency, the FIA expressed sadness and concern that the sensitive matter had been leaked to the media "without prior authorization". Ben Sulayem himself has not yet commented.

The turmoil surrounding the supreme rules watchdog has hit Formula 1 at an inopportune time. The opening race in Bahrain the previous week had already become a minor matter as the scandal surrounding Red Bull team boss Christian Horner escalated. The Briton had just been cleared of allegations of inappropriate behavior towards a female employee in an internal investigation, when anonymous emails with alleged details of the affair put him in serious trouble again.

Alonso penalty avoided?
At the street circuit in Jeddah, Ben Sulayem and Horner will now have to answer some unpleasant questions. Did he actually arrange for a time penalty against Alonso to be rescinded? And did he really suggest to the FIA inspectors in Las Vegas that the track should be refused approval for no real reason?

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso

(Bild: APA/AFP/POOL/ANDRES STAPFF)

Case two would put even more strain on Ben Sulayem's already troubled relationship with Formula 1's top management. The Grand Prix in Las Vegas cost the rights holders at Liberty Media many millions of dollars for land and infrastructure, and a ban on racing at last year's debut would have been a disaster. This did not happen because the FIA inspectors could not find any valid reasons, the informant told the BBC.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem

(Bild: Sepp Pail)

It initially remained unclear why Ben Sulayem interfered in each case. What is certain is that the former rally driver has intervened in the Formula 1 business on several occasions. For example, the FIA boss pushed for the inclusion of other teams, such as the US project Andretti, which the established racing teams vehemently rejected. Because Ben Sulayem also publicly questioned the high market value of the racing series, Formula 1 lawyers pointed out to him that this was not part of his duties.

The FIA investigation into Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff and his wife Susie, who works at the F1 Academy, for betraying secrets in December was also seen as an indication of the blazing power struggle. Just two days later, the world governing body had to drop the matter again after all the other teams protested.

Sexist remarks
Ben Sulayem has also faced accusations of making derogatory comments towards women in the past, but has denied them. In the course of the latest investigations, the FIA boss's handling of his expense account is now reportedly also to be examined. The results of the investigation are expected in four to six weeks, according to reports. Ben Sulayem's term of office runs until next year. However, the Formula 1 bosses are likely to have an interest in a change at the top of the association and are keeping a close eye on the work of the FIA ethicists.