President Ben Sulayem demands FIA 'respect and fairness'

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has insisted F1's governing body must be shown "respect" and "fairness".

Relations between the sport's hierarchy and the FIA have been strained since Ben Sulayem took post from Jean Todt in December 2021, with a number of flashpoints between the two parties.

No issue was greater than when Ben Sulayem publically questioned the value of F1 following reports of an apparent $20 billion offer from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, which was apparently rejected out of hand by the sport's owners Liberty Media.

His suggestion was met with ire from F1, with a letter sent to the FIA warning of the damage that could be done by such comments.

There has also been disagreements over the process of allowing prospective new teams to bid for entry to F1, instigated by the opening an expressions of interest by Ben Sulayem earlier this year.

Speaking to Autocar, Ben Sulayem has stressed the need for a strong regulator for F1 and a desire for greater resources for the FIA to improve the service sought after.

"We need respect, recognition for the FIA and fairness," said Ben Sulayem.

"We're getting there. I had good meetings with Stefano regarding it and he's aligned with the needs of the FIA.

"We have to be transparent. If we ask for better deals when it comes to money, we have to show where it will go - an improvement of the stewarding, an improvement of the race director pathway programme, an improvement of the ROC [Remote Operations Centre] and improving our equipment.

"The Concorde Agreement is two and a half years away, but there are three stakeholders: FIA, FOM and the teams.

"It has to be fair for all of us. We're not here to create obstacles, we're here to go forward together but we can't go forward if it's unfair."

Important to find clarity

Asked whether he was afraid to battle with Liberty, Ben Sulayem replied: "No, never."

"I know where the FIA stands. Whom do I represent? The landlords, the owners of the championship.

"Yes, we leased it to Liberty Media and they're doing a great job, I have a good relationship with them but we have to understand where we stand - this clarity is important.

"When you look at the rules, the power units [regulation change for 2026] or the expression of interest [for potential new teams], the FIA has to have the first say."