FIA president faces difficulties in Bahrain.

      Mohammed Ben Sulayem is entering a challenging situation in Bahrain. Recently absent from Formula 1, reportedly due to Ramadan, the FIA president will preside over an important meeting with engine suppliers to discuss the possible reintroduction of V10 engines. The discussion about potentially shortening the upcoming regulations era of more electrified turbo engines is thought to be driven by Red Bull and Ferrari.

      Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc expressed his discontent, stating, "What I’ve seen for next year isn’t particularly exciting for me. I believe many of us share this view. Some may voice their opinions more than others for various reasons, but I think we all concur that the V10 would be a far better option."

      However, it is highly likely that most will not support a shift in direction. Also on the agenda for the Bahrain meeting is the FIA's delayed signing of the Concorde Agreement, with Liberty Media and the eleven teams already committed for 2026 and beyond.

      Additionally, just before the Bahrain meeting, the paddock was reacting to the unexpected resignation of deputy president for sport, Robert Reid, who criticized a "fundamental breakdown in governance standards" and that "critical decisions are being made without due process." Following this, former FIA chief executive Natalie Robyn remarked that this indicates the FIA is facing "serious ongoing structural challenges."

      George Russell, co-director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, voiced his worries. "Unfortunately, every time there’s news from that side of the sport, it doesn’t come as a surprise," said the Mercedes driver. "It seems things are continuously heading in an unstable direction. Honestly, we are reaching a point where our actions are impacting those individuals very little."

      Moreover, fellow GPDA co-director Carlos Sainz was infuriated in Bahrain when questioned about his 10,000 euro FIA fine for arriving five seconds late to the national anthem at Suzuka, despite having a doctor's note regarding his stomach issue. He now faces the possibility of another fine from the FIA for his humorous "Sh*t happens" remark during Thursday's official FIA press conference.

      "I hope someone can tell me where this 10k goes," the Spaniard said. "That way, I can at least say, 'Alright, it went to a good cause.'"