The FIA is reportedly planning to vote on new rules after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that would effectively give Chairman Mohammed Ben Sulayem more power. The governing body of Formula 1 allegedly wants to amend the rules so that all ethical complaints are directly handled by the chairman. This would significantly increase Ben Sulayem’s influence within the organization and the sport.
Currently, the FIA uses an independent ethics committee to assess whether the organization is acting morally. However, according to the BBC, there is now a proposal that would shift these responsibilities to, among others, Chairman Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This means that if a complaint is filed against the chairman himself, he has the authority to decide whether this complaint is addressed.
Controversies
Ben Sulayem, who is preparing for an election campaign for a second term as FIA chairman, has been at the center of various controversies since his appointment in December 2021. He recently made negative headlines again after several FIA executives voluntarily left or were dismissed. For instance, race director Niels Wittich was relieved of his duties in the middle of the season. Later, Formula 2 race director Janette Tan and steward Tim Mayer also left.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff mocked the recent dramas surrounding the FIA. He suggested that the governing body could start its own ‘reality show’. The Austrian called on the FIA to be more transparent about such issues in the future. Sky Sports has since reported that various Formula 1 team bosses are concerned about the FIA’s latest proposal. They fear that the new regulations could seriously damage the credibility of the sport.
