Latest news with #BenSulayem
Qatar Tribune
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- Qatar Tribune
F1 future has never looked more exciting: Ben Sulayem
Dubai Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), believes the future of Formula 1 has never looked more exciting as the 2025 season heads for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix. With the current race calendar delivering some of the best action seen in recent years, and plenty more to come, Ben Sulayem feels the arrival next year of a new team, a new venue and new regulations will reinforce the championship's global appeal. 'As we reach the mid-point of the 2025 calendar, we are already looking towards next season with a great deal of excitement and expectation,' said the FIA President. 'Our fans have plenty to look forward to, with Cadillac joining the grid as the 11th team, new FIA regulations to improve racing bringing lighter, more agile cars and sustainable fuel, and the addition of Madrid as a new racing destination. 'The level of competition this year is incredible, with so much top-level talent on display. And, the impact of F1 is also supporting the FIA's goal to increase global participation in motorsport. 'Talented young drivers, whatever their background, have a real chance, and the next generation of stars is already coming through.' So, could that mean a first driver from the Middle East on the F1 starting grid? 'Although the Middle East has yet to produce a Formula 1 driver, that may change as more young prospects emerge from a region eager to make a bigger impact in F1 and global motorsport. 'F1's popularity has seen remarkable growth across the Arab world, particularly among young people and female fans. In Saudi Arabia, there is a strong focus on engaging youth at every level of the sport – a trend mirrored in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE. This inclusive momentum is vital to ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of motorsport throughout the region.'
Mid East Info
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Ben Sulayem says F1 future has never looked more exciting - Middle East Business News and Information
As 2025 season heads for Belgian Grand Prix, FIA President points to bright new era as today's race stars pave the way for next generation Dubai, UAE, 24th July, 2025: Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), believes the future of Formula 1 has never looked more exciting as the 2025 season heads for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix. With the current race calendar delivering some of the best action seen in recent years, and plenty more to come, Ben Sulayem feels the arrival next year of a new team, a new venue and new regulations will reinforce the championship's global appeal. 'As we reach the mid-point of the 2025 calendar, we are already looking towards next season with a great deal of excitement and expectation,' said the FIA President. 'Our fans have plenty to look forward to, with Cadillac joining the grid as the 11th team, new FIA regulations to improve racing bringing lighter, more agile cars and sustainable fuel, and the addition of Madrid as a new racing destination. 'The level of competition this year is incredible, with so much top-level talent on display. And, the impact of F1 is also supporting the FIA's goal to increase global participation in motorsport. Talented young drivers, whatever their background, have a real chance, and the next generation of stars is already coming through.' So, could that mean a first driver from the Middle East on the F1 starting grid? 'Although the Middle East has yet to produce a Formula 1 driver, that may change as more young prospects emerge from a region eager to make a bigger impact in F1 and global motorsport.' 'F1's popularity has seen remarkable growth across the Arab world, particularly among young people and female fans. In Saudi Arabia, there is a strong focus on engaging youth at every level of the sport – a trend mirrored in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE. This inclusive momentum is vital to ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of motorsport throughout the region.' -ENDS- Notes to Editors: The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
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.
