Ben Sulayem counters Domenicali's vision for F1.

      "There are various interests involved."

      23 September 2025 - 18:08

      FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has responded to Formula 1’s Liberty Media-led initiative for more sprint races, shorter grands prix, and the introduction of reverse grids. "Commercially, I grasp his position," Ben Sulayem told Viaplay, recognizing F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali’s intention to make the format more appealing to younger fans. "Stefano is a good friend. We converse five times a week, so I completely understand his perspective. However, I must also consider the extra pressure on our staff. They already have considerable travel, and it’s quite exhausting to have more races. You must also consider whether it's beneficial for the teams."

      The Emirati emphasized that the sport cannot rely solely on entertainment. "There are various interests at stake," he remarked. "It's not only about the commercial aspect but also the competitive side. A balanced approach between these two elements is crucial for a stable foundation. Focusing exclusively on the competitive side could lead to commercial issues, and the opposite is also true."

      While Liberty is contemplating eliminating classic European venues such as Imola, Zandvoort, and Barcelona, Ben Sulayem is cautious about losing the sport's heritage. "I believe Africa merits a race, but the key question is whether it can be made financially sustainable," he stated. "We must not overlook Europe. That is where the sport originated, and innovation is continually happening there. Furthermore, Europe is accessible."

      He expressed pride in successfully pushing for Cadillac’s controversial entry in 2026, despite significant opposition from existing teams and Liberty. "I spent two years ensuring they were permitted into the sport," the former rally driver shared. "Initially, it felt like I was committing an offense. Now, I can look back and smile about it. I believe having more teams is more important than having more races. More teams provide a more stable foundation."

      Regarding Max Verstappen’s previous dominance, which appears to be returning with consecutive wins in Monza and Baku, Ben Sulayem dismissed the idea that the FIA should intervene. "People have occasionally asked me - can’t you do something to curb Max’s winning streak? I always replied, 'how can I penalize success?' That would be unjust. Should the top performers be held back, or is it better for the less competitive to improve?"

      The 63-year-old is seeking re-election in December against two challengers and often faces booing at circuits. "I understand that," Ben Sulayem remarked. "Have you ever seen a referee receiving applause? That never happens in any sport. Naturally, the FIA gets booed. It’s impossible to please everyone, but without race control and stewards, chaos would ensue."