After allegations of influencing a Formula 1 race against world association boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem became known, the FIA confirmed investigations by its ethics committee. The International Automobile Federation says it has a report containing detailed allegations against members of its governing bodies. The FIA ethicists would now examine these allegations “as is usual in these cases, so that due process is strictly followed.”
The BBC had previously reported, citing an informant, that a time penalty against Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso had been withdrawn at the Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia last year at Ben Sulayem’s instigation. Therefore, the Spaniard was able to keep his third place despite the original decision of the race stewards. It initially remained unclear why Ben Sulayem would have interfered.
In addition, according to the media, the FIA President is accused of further violations in office. The 62-year-old from Dubai is said to have demanded in the preseason that the new race track in Las Vegas be denied approval by the world association. According to the BBC informant, there were no real safety concerns and the reasons for a racing ban could have been invented. However, the FIA inspectors could not provide any plausible reasons and therefore certified the route.
Finally, several disagreements
For Formula 1, the Grand Prix in Las Vegas is a prestigious project in which many millions of euros have been invested. There have been several disagreements between the Formula 1 leadership and Ben Sulayem in the recent past.
According to further reports, the FIA president’s financial behavior will also be examined by the ethics committee. The results of the investigation should be expected in four to six weeks.
