Formula 1 has been going through a period of controversies. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been accused of two severe actions. Firstly, the Emirati was alleged to have interfered with an F1 race result last season. Moreover, The 62-year-old was even accused of trying to withhold the certification of the Las Vegas GP. Now, Ben Sulayem has finally commented on the latter.
A whistleblower had claimed that Mohammed Ben Sulayem wanted the sports governing body to not sanction the Las Vegas GP circuit. It was alleged that the FIA President wanted artificial issues to be created if necessary to ensure that the race did not go ahead.
The 62-year-old highlighted that he holds the power for sanctioning tracks as the FIA President. Mohammed Ben Sulayem claimed that he supported F1’s endeavors. The Emirati reckoned that he could’ve said no as the track was not ready in time for inspection.
The FIA president is the one who signs the approval for the new track, or for all tracks. I supported it. I could have said no, [because it wasn't ready in time for inspection]. Mohammed Ben Sulayem told GP Racing
However, Ben Sulayem claimed that as soon as he was informed that the Las Vegas GP track was indeed safe, he was willing to certify it. The Emirati mentioned that as a racing driver himself, it was important for him that the circuit was safe not only for the drivers. Moreover, the 62-year-old even highlighted the need for safety for everyone in the paddock.
But as soon as my team said it was safe ... because I am a driver, I care about the well-being of the drivers and the people around them, our staff and the commissioners. I did it. It was something important.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem claims Las Vegas GP rejection would’ve been disastrous for F1
The Las Vegas GP arguably was the biggest race in the sport’s recent years. F1 and Liberty Media took the reign as promoters for the race to earn lucrative revenue from Sin City. Over half a billion dollars were spent by the sport to create a big spectacle for the world in Las Vegas.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem mentioned that if he had decided to not certify the track, it would’ve done massive damage to Formula 1. However, the FIA President highlighted that it would’ve been legal nonetheless as he was the one responsible. Although, the 62-year-old claimed that F1 and the FIA were in the same boat and as such, neither party could let this boat sink.
If I had said no, it would have been disastrous for F1. But it would have been legal. But I am cautious because I love this sport. After all, we are in the same boat. We may have different missions. But we are in the same boat. We cannot let the sport sink.
The FIA President will be questioned by the Ethics Committee of the sports governing body soon. Although, no other information on this case has been disclosed to the public. It would be interesting to see how things unfold for the 62-year-old as controversies continue to surround his tenure.
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