The first concerned a suggestion that he had interfered with the stewards’ decision to overturn a sanction imposed on the Spaniard. Fernando Alonso in it Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The second incident took place in Las Vegas Grand Prix, and was related to accusations that Ben Sulayem pressured the FIA not to approve the certification of the track at the new F1 headquarters.
However, following an investigation by the FIA Compliance Officer and its six-person Ethics Committee, he ruled that there was no evidence that Ben Sulayem had acted improperly.
The FIA investigations lasted approximately one month and included 11 interviews with different witnesses.
In a statement issued by the FIA, it was reported: “After reviewing the results of the investigations, the Ethics Committee was unanimous in its determination that there was no evidence to corroborate the allegations of interference of any kind involving the president of the FIA. FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem”.
He added: “The allegations against the FIA President were unfounded and solid evidence beyond any reasonable doubt was presented to support the determination of the FIA Ethics Committee.”
“The President’s complete cooperation, transparency and compliance throughout the process during this investigation was greatly appreciated.”
The incident of Saudi Arabia was related to the accusation of Ben Sulayem to try to have Alonso’s sanction annulled.
He reportedly called Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamas bin Isa Al Khalifa, FIA vice president of sport for the Middle East and North Africa and a close ally of his, who was present at the race, to help him.
Ben Sulayem tHe was also openly responsible for the approval of the Las Vegas track, and stated that if he had wanted to prevent it from being given the green light, he had the power to do so himself.
In recent statements he stated: “The president of the FIA is the one who signs the homologation of the new track, or of all the tracks. I supported him.”
“I could have said no, (because it wasn’t ready in time for the inspection). But as soon as my team said it was safe… because I’m a driver, I care about the well-being of the drivers and the people around them. , our staff and the stewards. I did it.”
“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 am careful because I love this sport.”
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
