FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has revealed that discussions about the dramatic 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the F1 Commission gathering in London on Monday resulted in a "very good" meeting. With the events of the dramatic season finale under investigation by the FIA - the report into which is due to be published over the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend - Ben Sulayem chaired a meeting of the F1 Commission to discuss the matter, as well as other topics ahead of the new season. With Red Bull team boss Christian Horner and Mercedes counterpart Toto Wolff both in attendance at the meeting, Ben Sulayem revealed afterward that talks had been harmonious, despite the controversy of Abu Dhabi being a central topic. "They [Red Bull and Mercedes] were in line," the FIA President told Sky Sports News after the conclusion of the meeting. "I think it's because of Valentine's Day! They were close to each other and they were in a good mood, so that was good. I expected more entertainment, but it was good to see the harmony between them."
Ben Sulayem: "The analysis is still going on"
While concrete changes to the FIA's governance or race adjudication are yet to happen, Ben Sulayem has promised "structural changes" in the near future. The future of FIA Race Director Michael Masi, whose decision-making and control of the Safety Car proved the catalyst of the controversial conclusion to the Abu Dhabi GP, also requires clarification. Recently, the FIA confirmed the establishment of a working group to appoint a CEO, a newly-created role, as well as the appointment of a third-party consultant for an analysis of the body's current governance structure. With Mercedes having agreed to drop their post-Abu Dhabi appeals in light of the FIA's promises for an in-depth analysis of the race and their overall governance, Ben Sulayem explained that discussions at the Commission meeting - including with Wolff - had progressed amicably. "We agreed [on] certain things," he commented. "The analysis is still going on, but it will come soon. But it was a good discussion there, so we will see. Information will be announced but, definitely, as we said, the integrity of the FIA will always be intact. "I'm elected to do that, but also to have a fair motorsport – that is my duty. It was a very good meeting. We went through a lot of important things for the season, so I expect a good Formula 1 season. "We can only go forward. This is important for the FIA, for the integrity of the FIA and for the sport. So we can only improve the future."
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