Mohammed bin Sulayem acquitted by the FIA Ethics Commission – No misconduct found
FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem has been cleared of any wrongdoing following allegations of interference in Formula 1 last year
The FIA’s compliance department investigated allegations made by a whistleblower against bin Sulayem in relation to two separate incidents that took place in 2023.
The first incident involved an allegation that he interfered in the race stewards’ decision to overturn a penalty imposed on Fernando Alonso at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The second incident occurred at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. It concerned the allegation that bin Sulayem had pressured the FIA into not approving the track certification for the latest Formula 1 venue.
Following an investigation by the FIA compliance officer and the six-member ethics commission, it was announced on Wednesday that there was no evidence of any wrongdoing by bin Sulayem.
The FIA’s investigation lasted 30 days and involved the questioning of 11 witnesses. (How the FIA president made an enemy of Formula 1)
Commission praises bin Sulayem’s openness and transparency
A statement from the FIA said: “After reviewing the results of the investigation, the Ethics Commission has unanimously concluded that there is no evidence of influence of any kind by FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem.”
She added: “The allegations against the FIA President were unfounded. Clear evidence beyond reasonable doubt was presented to support the decision of the FIA Ethics Commission.”
“The President’s full cooperation, transparency and responsiveness throughout the process of this investigation have been greatly appreciated. “
The incident in Saudi Arabia concerned the allegation that bin Sulayem had attempted to have the penalty against Alonso lifted.
He is said to have called Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamas bin Isa Al Khalifa, FIA Vice President for Sport in the Middle East and North Africa and his close confidant, who was present at the race, to help him settle the matter.
Bin Sulayem had also been open and transparent on the issue of Las Vegas: The approval for the Las Vegas racetrack was his responsibility, he said. He said that if he had wanted to prevent the approval, he would have had the power to do so himself.
In a recent interview with GP Racing Magazine, he said: “The FIA president is the one who signs the homologation for all new circuits.”
“I supported it. I could have said no [because it wasn’t ready in time for inspection]. But when my team said it was safe… Being a racer myself, I care about the welfare of the drivers and the people around them, our staff and the marshals. That’s why I gave my approval.”
“It was a big deal. If I had said no, it would have been disastrous [for Formula 1]. But it would have been legal. But I’m careful because I love the sport. “
