Former F1 driver endorses FIA president change with pointed remark

Riccardo Patrese wants to see Mohammed Ben Sulayem succeeded as FIA president, taking aim at the incumbent for wanting "everything in his hands."

The Emirati is being challenged for his position at the top of the motorsport governing body by former F1 steward Tim Mayer in December's elections, and Patrese has advocated having a president who can "better understand motor racing" running the FIA.

Ben Sulayem was a rally driver, in a career spanning from the 1980s to the early 2000s, before moving into motorsport governance after retiring.

Whilst his tenure, which began at the end of 2021, has been marked by controversy within the organisation, he remains a popular figure within many of the federations which will vote in the upcoming elections.

For Patrese, however, he would like to see changes within how the FIA governs the on-track action in F1 - and other championships.

"Yes, I think so," The Italian told Prime Casino when asked if he felt there should be a change at the helm of the FIA. "I would like to see a Formula 1 that comes back a little bit to the old times.

"I think the rules should be reviewed to have a sport with more free space for the drivers in driving, and in fighting and in talking."

The six-time grand prix winner highlighted the contentious stewards' penalty guidelines as part of the reason he would like to see a change.

"But unfortunately, this president doesn't want the fights, doesn't want the talk; he wants to have everything in his hands," the 71-year-old added.

"So maybe a new president, one that can better understand motor racing, would be good. We have this Formula 1 where there are penalties if you say something wrong."

The FIA presidential elections will be held on December 12 in Uzbekistan, which is when the next general assembly will convene.

Mayer has vowed to end Ben Sulayem's "reign of terror" but believed the deck is stacked against him. Carlos Sainz Sr., who had considered running against the 63-year-old, ultimately decided against launching a campaign.