Ben Sulayem stands by the FIA election procedure.

      "You must go out and meet people."

      Mohammed Ben Sulayem has responded to criticism and legal challenges as FIA member clubs were set to vote in Tashkent on Friday to confirm him for a second four-year term as president. Several candidates tried to oppose him but were blocked by the FIA's contentious eligibility procedures, leading to accusations of a rigged process and even emergency legal action. None were successful, leaving Ben Sulayem virtually unopposed.

      In an interview with AFP on the eve of the election, the Emirati remained unapologetic. When asked why alternative candidates were not able to present their programs to the federation, he retorted, "Why didn’t these candidates go to Latin America to promote their program? You have to go out and meet people, earn their trust to support your candidacy. That’s democracy, for goodness’ sake."

      Despite the widespread controversy during his first term—including issues related to drivers' jewelry, swearing policies, governance disputes, ethics complaints, and significant clashes over the commercial direction of F1—Ben Sulayem stated that he would change "nothing." "I look forward to the next four years," he asserted. "Cleaning house was not easy. Bringing the right individuals into the FIA was challenging. Now I can say it was worth the four years of investment. And if you ask me, 'If you could rewind the four years, what would you do differently?' My answer is nothing."

      He mentioned that much of the backlash he faced arose from what he considered trivial matters. "I didn’t expect to encounter so many situations that are simply a matter of common sense. Before I came, the FIA wasn't fully fulfilling its responsibilities," noted the 64-year-old.

      Regarding the criticism of the election process, Ben Sulayem dismissed all allegations of manipulation: "Nothing has changed. The rules remain the same—I simply inherited them." He also brushed off his lack of popularity, stating, "I wouldn’t have come this far without overcoming these challenges and attacks. I was targeted day and night, but does that bother me? I ignore it all and concentrate on fulfilling my promises."