FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has criticised British media for what he sees as treatment that has "convicted" him.
Ben Sulayem took office in December 2021, replacing Jean Todt and steered the FIA through the investigation into the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with the former rally champion also keen to see a reduction in the amount of swearing by drivers, which led to the Max Verstappen controversy in Singapore.
Recently, outgoing Red Bull chief technical officer Adrian Newey claimed that Verstappen, and Sebastian Vettel, had been "demonised" by the British press, something Ben Sulayem feels he too has been a victim of.
"I respect Max because I'm a driver. I was a champion and I respect winners and champions," he told Motorsport.com.
"I see he had his share [of mistreatment], but let's talk about me. If you look at the British media and what they did to me… For God's sake, they convicted me.
"They didn't accuse me [of anything], but they keep on [going]. And do I care? No. Why? Because what are they after? They are after selling and getting more coverage for themselves.
"But they have no power over me and over the FIA, with due respect to the British media or any other media, they don't have a vote.
"We are an independent, democratic federation. It's the world of membership that elected me. The power is with the General Assembly, not with them.
"And you know what? Can we just stop this nonsense and go back to business and do what is better for the sport?
"If you can, I'm asking. If they [the media] don’t want to do that, it’s up to them.
"But life goes on. You know what they did to me? They made me stronger. I'm more careful now and more wise.
"I have the support [of the member clubs], and if and when the members decide it’s time to change me as president, it's their call.
"But I don't go back to anyone, I don't answer very much of you [members of the media] and I don't retaliate.
"Why? Because I don't have the time. I'm so busy answering what the members and motorsport want."
Also interesting:
In a very special episode of the RacingNews365 podcast, lead editor Ian Parkes and Nick Golding are joined by three-time F1 world champion Sir Jackie Stewart. The current F1 season, the sport's safety and Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari are leading talking points.
If you'd rather watch than listen - the video is available here!
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