Latest news with #BenSulayem
Qatar Tribune
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Qatar Tribune
Ben Sulayem ruling FIA with an iron fist can have its advantages: Wolff
Principal of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, Toto Wolff says Mohammed Ben Sulayem's FIA presidency of 'ruling with an iron fist' has had 'its advantages' to assert two key topics the Mercedes boss feels he has got right within Formula 1. The FIA president and Mercedes chief have clashed over how the governing body has overseen tighter restrictions over a 'swearing ban' and a push for an 11th F1 team since Ben Sulayem became president at the end of 2021, but it appears tensions have reduced in recent months. 'You can't deny that he's ruling with an iron fist,' Wolff told selected Austrian media during the Austrian GP weekend last month. 'He doesn't let anyone tell him what to do. That can have its advantages.' The most recent matter in the spotlight has been the FIA's 'swearing ban' which was criticised heavily upon introduction, until the governing body announced revisions to the rules in Appendix B of the International Sporting Code in April, which outlines restrictions on swearing. Fines have been reduced from €10,000 to €5000 and stewards can suspend penalties for first-time offenders, while exceptions were introduced for swearing in uncontrolled environments, such as over team radio. Wolff overall has supported the 'swearing ban' as he felt drivers in F1 needed to consider their status as role models to young drivers and fans. 'I think his stance on swearing is right,' Wolff said, referring to Ben Sulayem. 'Many of the drivers who scream on the radio don't speak English as their first language. If a French or Italian driver says 'go and fuck yourself' on the radio and thinks it's normal, it's probably because he's heard it that way since his karting days. But if you translate it literally into his native language, it can actually shock him. 'I think kids need to learn not to insult others on the radio. That engineer [on the radio to the driver] has a family at home who are very proud that their father or husband is working with a Formula 1 driver. 'If the driver lashes out at him like that, it's not good – and unfortunately, that already happens in junior categories.' Wolff speaks from personal experience, as his son Jack now races in karting, with drivers influenced by what happens in F1: 'The eight-, nine-, 10-year-olds talk like the pros. They're obviously their role models, I think it's good that the president is taking a strong stance on this.' The Mercedes boss added: 'You can debate where to draw the line between swearing and insulting. During a race, we're also a dumping ground for the drivers. They're going 300kph, wheel to wheel, physically and mentally on the edge, and then we tell them to be polite. But that's not the point. 'It's fine if they vent. What's not fine is when it turns into personal abuse. That's where a firm line is drawn.' The other topic Wolff previously hadn't seen eye-to-eye with the FIA president over was his push for Andretti to join the F1 grid as an 11th team, but his stance did soften once the project was tied to Cadillac's manufacturer backing, with the team set to join the championship in 2026.
Newsweek
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
FIA Open To Adding 12th F1 Team As Target Nation Revealed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Formula 1 may end up expanding the grid to 12 teams as the sport grows both commercially and competitively. Cadillac is entering the sport in 2026, marking the return of a all-American racing team. The following team might be a Chinese racing outfit - expanding the foothold within one of F1's most untapped markets. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem addressed the potential arrival of another team to the grid in a recent media session. Zhou Guanyu of China and Ferrari walks in the paddock during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 4, 2025 in Northampton, United Kingdom. Zhou Guanyu of China and Ferrari walks in the paddock during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 4, 2025 in Northampton, United Kingdom. Photo by"I still feel we need more teams than races," Ben Sulayem told a group of reporters. "The drivers are coming to me and saying, 'Please, no more races.' "When we opened the Expression of Interest [in 2023], what was the outcome based on? Due process, competency framework, and without looking at which company it was, as long as it fulfilled the requirements of the FIA. "We have an 11th team. I believe we should look into the performance of the 11th team, and then, if there is a Chinese [bid], and I will speak on behalf of FOM now in front of you, they will agree to that, because it is about sustaining the business." Cadillac F1 is entering the sport as the 11th team on the grid, marking the first time that the grid has expanded in years. The expansion offers two additional race seats for drivers to compete and an extra competitor to break through in the racing series. Several factors make joining the grid easier than ever, particularly since the introduction of the cost cap. The bigger, more famous teams are no longer allowed to spend large amounts of money. All of the teams are on a level playing field. Ben Sulayem stated that another team won't be added for the sake of it, but instead, the racing series is open to hearing out a proposal. "If there is a team from China, let's say, and FOM approved it, and I am 100 per cent they will approve it, wouldn't it make more money with China coming in? I believe, yes," he said. "Do we have to fill up [the grid] with a 12th team for the sake of filling up [the grid] with a 12th team? No. It will be the right team. "The time will come when we feel it right to open an Expression of Interest. We are not here to upset the other teams, but it won't be just for the sake of doing it. It has to be worth it. "For us, the [12th] team has to add value to sustaining the business of Formula 1, and the business of Formula 1 is not about the income, it's about the longevity of the championship itself." More F1 news: How Lewis Hamilton Made the F1 Movie Production More Expensive For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
F1 may bring back loud V8 engines by 2029: FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem
Image credit: Getty Images FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has suggested that Formula 1 could return to louder V8 engines by 2029. The last time V8 engines were used in F1 was back in 2013. Speaking to reporters during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, Ben Sulayem discussed the possibility of reintroducing V8s within the next four years. The V8 is happening: F1 set for roaring comeback by 2029 FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's primary motivation behind the move is to revive the thrill of the sport — both for long-time fans who miss the iconic roar of the V8s, and for a new generation eager to experience that same excitement. "To us, the V8 is happening. With the teams now, I'm very optimistic, happy about it. FOM [Formula One Management] are supportive, the teams are realising it is the right way,' Ben Sulayem said. — F1 (@F1) "We need to do it soon. You need three years, so hopefully by 2029 we have something there, but the fuel is also very expensive, and we have to be very careful with that. Transmissions are very expensive. The current engine is so complicated, you have no idea, and it is costly. R&D is reaching $200 million, and the engine is costing approximately $1.8m to $2.1m, so if we go with a straight V8, let's see," he added. With General Motors' Cadillac brand poised to join Formula 1 as the 11th team, Ben Sulayem also hinted at the possibility of a 12th team being added to the grid. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Steinfurt: Nur 700 Plätze. Werden Sie Testhörer für die neuen Hörgeräte ohne Zuzahlung. Gutes Hören Undo "The time will come when we feel it is right to open an expression of interest," he said of filling the 12th slot. But he made it clear, 'We are not here to upset other teams. It won't be just go and do it for the sake of doing it. It has to be worth it for us. The team has to add value to sustaining the business of Formula One." Also Read: British Grand Prix 2025: Lando Norris dominates home race with fourth win, Nico Hulkenberg claims maiden podium The next Formula 1 season will introduce new regulations, which are expected to benefit some teams while posing challenges for others in terms of on-track performance. For example, Adrian Newey is working on Aston Martin's 2026 F1 car which is expected to perform much better than the current one. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
FIA President Responds to 'Failure in Leadership' Allegations
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has hit back at claims by his presidential opponent Tim Mayer, who remains the sole challenger to the seat. Mayer pointed out Ben Sulayem's "failure in leadership" and called his term a "reign of terror." Ben Sulayem took over as president of Formula One's governing body, the FIA, in 2021. In the last two years, Ben Sulayem has faced considerable opposition from teams and drivers, who mostly seek transparency. The 2024 season saw drivers uniting against Ben Sulayem through the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), seeking consistency in the regulations. The GPDA also requested that drivers not be policed in matters such as their appearance and swearing on camera. Ben Sulayem faces American candidate Mayer in the upcoming presidential elections, who is a former FIA steward and commission member and the son of former McLaren team principal Teddy Mayer. Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President looks on prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 18, 2025 in Imola, Italy. Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President looks on prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 18, 2025 in Imola, declared he was running for FIA president ahead of last weekend's British Grand Prix. Raising serious questions about the way Ben Sulayem has been running the FIA, he said in a press conference: "Those people work very hard. They deserve leadership that provides them with tools, with a vision, with resources and more than anything else does not have a reign of terror every time they walk into the office." Now, Ben Sulayem has reacted to the allegation, suggesting that Mayer was out of touch with ground reality. He said: "I just laughed. I actually had a smile. I said whoever is saying this, they are disconnected with the FIA. Honestly. "You go to the FIA and just enter and see. Sit with them, tell them it's just between you and them, and ask them the question. I think maybe he's confusing the period." Mayer also alleged that Ben Sulayem was bypassing the existing framework to run the organization his way. He said: "Decisions are being made behind closed doors, bypassing the very structures and people the FIA exists to represent." The statement comes in the wake of several high-profile exits from the FIA since last year, which led many F1 drivers to voice their concerns. However, Ben Sulayem defended himself, claiming he had never spoken against anyone. He said: "Have you ever read any article where I said negatively about a single person? That's not me." Addressing the elections and comparing them to a race, Ben Sulayem added: "It's like putting your helmet and gloves back on. Really it reminds me of competitions, and competition is always good. "We have such clear guidelines that now you cannot fiddle around with anything and that will never happen, not in my reign."
TimesLIVE
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
F1 could return to naturally aspirated V8s by 2029, says Ben Sulayem
Formula One could go back to using noisy V8 engines with fully sustainable fuel by 2029 at the earliest, according to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The sport is entering a new engine era next season, but the head of the governing body suggested last February that a return to the naturally aspirated V8s or V10s was being considered after that. The V8 engines were last used in 2013 before the 1.6l turbocharged V6 units. "The engine is so complicated, you have no idea, and it is costly," Ben Sulayem told reporters at the weekend's British Grand Prix. "R&D is reaching $200m (R3,562,554,000), and the engine is costing about $1.8m (R32m) to $2.1m (R37.4m), so if we go with a straight V8, let's see. "Many manufacturers produce V8s in their cars, so commercially it's correct. How much is it? You drop it. The target is more than 50% in everything." Ben Sulayem said the V8 engine would also have significant weight advantages and the sound would be welcomed by nostalgic fans and the new generation. "To us, the V8 is happening. With the teams, I'm very optimistic and happy about it. FOM (Formula One Management) are supportive, the teams are realising it is the right way," he said. "We need to do it soon. You need three years, so hopefully by 2029 we have something there, but the fuel is also very expensive, and we have to be very careful with that. Transmissions are very expensive." Ben Sulayem also spoke about the possibility of a Chinese team filling the final 12th slot, something he has mentioned before, and said he felt the sport needed more cars rather than more races. "The time will come when we feel it is right to open an expression of interest," he said about filling the 12th slot. "We are not here to upset other teams. It won't be go and do it for the sake of doing it. It has to be worth it for us. The team has to add value to sustaining the business of Formula One." General Motors' Cadillac brand is due to become the 11th team next season, a slot won after initial resistance from the other teams and Liberty Media-owned Formula One.
