Ben Sulayem makes another media response with British GP comment

FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem has attacked the media with a confusing statement regarding the Formula 1 British Grand Prix.

Speaking to the media at the Dakar Rally, Ben Sulayem has re-opened his criticism of the press in a strange way, unsure what caused his latest outburst as it concerns the running of motorsport’s governing body. More questions have arisen.

Ben Sulayem has repeatedly claimed that he feels he has been unfairly criticized by the media. He also made a mysterious reference to the British GP making Qatar Airways its title sponsor.

He said, “There were critics against me for three years. do I care? Was I chosen to listen to the media? No, I like good media, positive media and I may make a mistake, and you can come and criticize me in an unbiased manner.

When asked about the inappropriate behaviour, he said, ‘Inappropriate. But the world is unfair. Saudi Arabia has reinvested a lot.

“You look at some of the British media and they go against Saudi Arabia or me. But one thing I will say, go ahead and watch the British Grand Prix. Is this the British Grand Prix? No, it’s the Qatar Airways British Grand Prix. Please, you remove the budget, you remove the money.

Motorsport.com has asked the FIA ​​for clarity on the meaning of Ben Sulayem’s comments.

Ben Sulayem has a dispute with the media – especially the British press – Since he was interviewed by Motorsport.com at last year’s Azerbaijan GP.

In a separate interview he responded to Adrian Newey’s assessment that both sebastian vettel And max verstappen He was declared monstrous by the press.

Ben Sulayem gave his opinion on the subject, saying, “If you look at the British media and what they did to me… for God’s sake, they blamed me”.

During his tenure at the FIA, Ben Sulayem has been embroiled in controversy. his recent decision Changes in the organization’s statutes to strengthen its power This has been criticized by members.

He has also been accused – and later acquitted – of trying to interfere in the outcome of the 2023 Saudi Arabia GP and blocking the FIA’s ratification of the inaugural Las Vegas GP.

Last year, he took a tough stance on driver abuse and earned a rebuke from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA).

A strongly worded letter from the GPDA said: “We urge the FIA ​​President to exercise caution when speaking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise. Also consider tone and language.

“Also, our members are adults, they do not need to be instructed through the media regarding minor matters such as wearing jewelery and undergarments.”

His latest attack on the media comes as he enters an election year where he currently faces no competition for the post of FIA president.

Ben Sulayem’s comments regarding the title sponsor of the British GP have also been referred to Silverstone for response.