The Christian Horner case has just caused a stir in Formula 1. Now new trouble is looming. At the center of the criticism: FIA boss Ben Sulayem.
Formula 1 is not resting these days. While the case of Red Bull boss Christian Horner is still simmering over the racing series, new trouble seems to be brewing around another official.
As the British BBC reports, Ben Sulayem, president of the world association FIA, is accused of manipulating a race. Specifically, it should be about the Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia last year. It is said that a whistleblower reported this to the FIA. The BBC has a report from a fias compliance officer to the ethics committee in which the allegations are documented.
Former world champion involved in scandal
Specifically, it’s about a situation with former world champion Fernando Alonso. In the race in question, the Spaniard received a time penalty of ten seconds for unauthorized work on his vehicle, after he had actually finished third. Therefore he fell back to fourth place. The punishment was later reversed.
It is now said that Sulayem is said to have contacted Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al Chalifa, FIA Vice President for Sports in the Middle East and North Africa region. According to the report, he made it clear to him that Alonso’s punishment should be withdrawn and that he even expected this from the sheikh. Problematic, because Sulayem, as FIA President, has no say in the race stewards’ decisions.
The case is now before the association’s ethics committee. A result is expected in four to six weeks. Sulayem and the FIA did not want to comment when asked by the BBC.