FIA clubs suggest legal action amid Ben Sulayem accusations

FIA Member Clubs from the Americas have suggested that Formula 1's governing body should take legal action against parties it believed slandered the organisation.

Recently, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem was placed under investigation for allegedly attempting to interfere with the results of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2023.

He was also alleged to have pushed to stop the certification of the new Las Vegas Grand Prix race track, which made its debut last year.

Ben Sulayem was cleared over both matters following an investigation by the FIA.

A letter from FIA Member Clubs has now been signed by 30 representatives, which defends Ben Sulayem following the recent turbulent period.

In a publicly written appeal, the FIA Member Clubs and Sport Federations of America express “that the FIA Ethics Committee, composed of external and independent members, has unanimously issued the report, in which they declare Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, is absolved of the unfounded accusations of interfering in the Formula 1 events held in Saudi Arabia and Las Vegas, in 2023”.

It added that “the resolution of the Ethics Committee ratifies that the President of the FIA, Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, acted honourably, transparently and independently” and that “accusations of impropriety and unethical practices propagated by some members of the print and digital media were intended for the sole purpose of causing harm to the FIA and its leadership, particularly the President.

“The selection of the FIA President is enshrined in the FIA Statutes and is the sole purview of its voting members and is not impacted by those from outside the organization who attempt, for their own self-interest, to intervene.”

The letter also recommended that the FIA should take legal action against those who it feels defamed the governing body.

“We will recommend that the FIA initiate legal action against those who, without cause, slander the FIA and its leadership.

“We endorse and ratify our vote of confidence in support of Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, for his stewardship of the FIA and his progress to fulfilling his commitment to transform the FIA in an ethical and transparent manner in order to better serve its members.”