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Mohammed Ben Sulayem | FIA president

Read the latest news about Mohammed Ben Sulayem here.

Who is Mohammed Ben Sulayem

Mohammed Ben Sulayem is a prominent figure in the world of motorsport and an influential personality beyond the race circuit. He was born in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on November 12, 1961. What sets Ben Sulayem apart is not only his impressive racing career but also his strong personality and contributions to the international motorsport community.

As an individual, Ben Sulayem is known for his determination and dedication. He proudly represents his home country, the UAE, and has done much to promote motorsport in the region. His charisma and leadership have not only endeared him to fans and colleagues but have also opened doors for his influence in the world of motorsport.

Mohammed Ben Sulay | FIA president

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has a rich and extensive experience within international motorsport and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), which led to his appointment to the prestigious position of FIA president. Before his appointment as FIA president, the Emirati held various roles within the organization.

He occupied several positions within the FIA, establishing himself as a respected figure within the organization. His expertise and dedication were widely appreciated, and he began to stand out as one of the most influential personalities within the international motorsport community.

Development into FIA President

Ultimately, in recognition of his contributions and exceptional track record within the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem was appointed to the highest position within the organization: FIA president. In December 2021, he was elected to this prestigious role, becoming the first person from the Middle East and the Arab world to hold this position. As FIA president, he leads the organization and sets the policies for the international motorsport world.

In his current role as FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has a substantial platform to further develop motorsport, promote safety, and advocate for the interests of both professional drivers and fans. His leadership and experience chart a new course for motorsport and open doors to greater inclusivity and diversity in this exciting world.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem FIA president © XPBimages

The discussion between Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Andretti

The discussion between Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Michael Andretti arose due to a difference in vision and opinions regarding the future of Formula 1 and plans for a potential new race in the United States.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA president, aims to promote and expand Formula 1 at an international level. He seeks to make the sport more accessible to fans worldwide and enhance inclusivity. In line with his vision, he advocates for expanding the Formula 1 calendar to new markets, including the United States. He believes that attracting a broader and more diverse fan base is crucial for the sport's future.

On the other hand, Michael Andretti, a former Fo

More Races in the United States

rmula 1 driver and the team principal of Andretti Autosport, has his own ideas about developing Formula 1 in the United States. He envisions organizing a Formula 1 race in Miami, Florida, and has concrete plans to make it happen. However, some disagreement has arisen regarding the feasibility and organization of this race.

The discussion between Ben Sulayem and Andretti primarily revolves around whether the proposed race in Miami aligns with the broader goals of Formula 1 and the FIA president. While Ben Sulayem focuses on global expansion and tapping into new markets, Andretti has a more localized focus and aims to bolster a strong American presence.

Furthermore, ongoing discussions are taking place about the possible entry of more teams into Formula 1, potentially including a team associated with Andretti.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem's experience as a driver

Mohammed Ben Sulayem is a prominent figure in the world of motorsport, and his story begins in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he was born on November 12, 1961. His introduction to motorsport took place in the early 1980s. He quickly emerged as a talented rally driver and began to dominate national and international rallies.

Succes in the Rally World

What truly brought Ben Sulayem to the forefront was his impressive success in the world of rally racing. He won the Middle East Rally Championship multiple times, establishing his name as one of the most accomplished drivers in the region. His talent and determination led to victories and recognition, turning him into a national hero.

Andretti in Formula 1?

The FIA, the overarching motorsport federation, earlier this year opened the door to potential new Formula 1 teams. Several parties expressed interest, but only the Andretti Cadillac plan received approval. However, this does not automatically grant them entry into Formula 1. They must now reach an agreement with the Formula One Group (FOM). Nevertheless, influential figures in the world of Formula 1 are not particularly enthusiastic about the idea of a new team.

Not a Significant Hurdle

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, however, does not view this as a significant hurdle. He suggests that Andretti might be able to participate in the sport without approval from the FOM. In an interview with Speedcafe, Ben Sulayem explained, "I have heard from a legal perspective that the FOM can refuse based on financial considerations. However, the license to participate is granted by the FIA. In that case, Andretti could participate without receiving financial support, but I don't think that will happen. I assume the FOM will not say 'no,' but anything is possible."

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