The Ethics Commission is investigating FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Meanwhile, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner is fleeing forward.
Two controversial men: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem (right) and Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.
Chris Graythen / Getty
The most controversial man in Formula 1 last week says about the most controversial man this week: “I would advise not to judge too quickly. Wait for the facts before making a judgment.” Christian Horner, who is the team boss of Red Bull Racing and has just been acquitted of allegations of inappropriate behavior towards an employee, speaks about Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), who is currently being investigated by the Ethics Commission.
The new Formula 1 season only sees its second race on Saturday with the Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia, but after the winter break had already been turbulent, the impression is solidifying that the premier class of motorsport is full of scandals.
Mutual trust has always been a thing in Formula 1. But now that the alleged revelations from whistleblowers are overshadowing the sporting events in the cases in question, the mood in the paddock is poisoned. Everyone seems to be waiting for the next reveal.
The parties directly involved are not just frantically trying to figure out who is leaking confidential information, but more importantly, why. Everyone else is watching the shifting coalitions just as closely. Who knows whether one’s own advantage could arise from the mixed situation.
Horner invokes the harmony and unity in the Red Bull team
Christian Horner fled forward, attacking, as is the Brit’s style. He wants to draw a line under the affair and the focus is only on the future. He invokes the harmony and unity that have made the team so successful. The employee who made allegations against him is therefore a thing of the past; She is now said to have been placed on leave for dishonesty. It is questionable whether this will bring the desired calm to the leading racing team. Jos Verstappen, the father of world champion Max Verstappen, who is tied to Red Bull until 2028, said after his victory at the season opener in Bahrain that the team was in danger of being torn apart if Horner stayed: “It will explode.”
Verstappen senior denies that he is the mastermind in the power struggle that is raging between the Austrian headquarters and the British racing team. But he could play the messenger. In any case, the son said in Jidda: “My dad is not a liar, that’s for sure.”
Max Verstappen has defended his father Jos speaking his mind in criticising Red Bull # Formula 1 boss Christian Horner – insisting “he’s not a liar.” pic.twitter.com/tmWp5kG7qP
— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) March 7, 2024
Above all, Jos Verstappen is someone who knows all facets of the business. And quite a few in the paddock believe that he wants to take advantage of the Horner case. For example, improving the three-time champion’s current contract, having an exit clause manifested or quickly making a move to the Mercedes team, where Lewis Hamilton’s cockpit will be vacant next season.
The speculation electrifies everyone because there is no denial from anyone. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff had already announced that he wanted to make a daring transfer. Max Verstappen spoke of his intention to stay in his team, at least as long as the performance was good. There were clarifying discussions with Christian Horner. A truce to get through the next rounds. But also to give all parties the opportunity to explore their options. Lewis Hamilton is sure that Verstappen is on the list at Mercedes. Horner believes he knows that his protégé will fulfill the contract.
And when record world champion Lewis Hamilton thinks that it is a crucial moment for motorsport to show its true values, he is not just referring to the question of the internal processes at Red Bull.
Did Ben Sulayem exert unauthorized influence?
The association’s ethics committee is investigating FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who is already highly controversial in Formula 1 for his leadership. Bit by bit, a whistleblower has leaked news this week.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem: FIA President under investigation for alleged attempt to interfere over F1 race – BBC Sport https://t.co/F7MaQt27O8
— Andrew Benson (@andrewbensonf1) March 4, 2024
On the one hand, Ben Sulayem is said to have tried to influence a time penalty against Fernando Alonso at the race in Saudi Arabia a year ago. In fact, the Spaniard had gotten his third place back, but after an appeal from his team. Ben Sulayem is said to have previously called Arab official Abdulla bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to demand a correction of the results. It must be ensured that the race management can continue to act independently, said George Russell, spokesman for the drivers’ union: “We need total transparency in this case.”
The second accusation against the top motorsport official is even more serious. He is said to have tried to prevent the licensing of the racetrack in Las Vegas. The Grand Prix in the casino city was the largest investment to date by Liberty Media, the Formula 1 rights holder. Canceling the spectacle would have meant enormous damage, and not just financial ones. There is an ongoing dispute between Formula One Management (FOM), which is appointed by the Hollywood group, and Ben Sulayem; If the accusation were confirmed, it would be the next scandal.