Latest news with #MohammedbenSulayem
The Guardian
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Guardian
‘I won't be going anywhere': George Russell adamant he will stay at Mercedes
George Russell believes he 'won't be going anywhere' and is set to have a new contract confirmed with Mercedes as he played down suggestions that he could lose his seat to Max Verstappen. Before this weekend's British Grand Prix Russell, whose contract with Mercedes has yet to be renewed, stated he felt the chances for him not being with the team next season were 'exceptionally low'. Verstappen, in turn, flatly refused to comment on the matter. The speculation came on a day when there was more flux at the top of the sport as a challenge emerged to the authority of the president of the FIA, Mohammed ben Sulayem, with the news that the former FIA steward Tim Mayer will stand against the president in elections later this year. On Wednesday there were unconfirmed reports that Verstappen's talks with Mercedes have intensified and that a deal was close to being confirmed. However it is understood this remains entirely speculation and that Mercedes are still conducting consideration of advances made toward them from the Verstappen camp. Russell was considered the more likely candidate to lose his seat over teammate Kimi Antonelli were a deal to be done with Verstappen but at Silverstone he was bullish that he felt his position was safe. 'I've been focused on my side, I am loyal to Mercedes, so at the end of the day, everything will work itself out,' he said. 'And the likelihood I'm not at Mercedes next year, I think is exceptionally low. 'For me it's nothing to worry about as I don't think I'll be going anywhere and whoever my teammate is doesn't concern me either, so I'll just focus on the driving. There's a lot of conversations behind the scenes that are not public and I know where their [Mercedes] loyalty lies. I'm performing better than ever, it's as simple as that, performance speaks for everything.' Mercedes are unlikely to announce any decision until the summer break after the Hungarian GP on 3 August, which is the point when potential exit clauses in Verstappen's contract would become applicable. Verstappen did not deny the talks were taking place but declined to make any further comment. It also became clear on Thursday at Silverstone that Mayer will announce his candidacy to oppose Ben Sulayem for the FIA presidency on Friday morning in a press conference. The 59-year-old American had been a long serving FIA steward, well-liked and respected until he was sacked by the FIA last November after a dispute between the FIA and the organisers of the US GP, for whom Mayer was working in an independent capacity. Afterwards Mayer claimed the dismissal had taken place because Ben Sulayem had personally taken umbrage at him and he was highly critical of how it had been handled. 'In spite of the matter being resolved quietly and amicably, he's still upset and decided to fire me,' he said. 'After 15 years of volunteering my time as a steward, a decade teaching other stewards and hundreds of hours volunteering in other roles, I got a text from one of his assistants.' The FIA denied he had been told by text message. Mayer, the son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer, has enjoyed senior roles in Champ Car, Imsa and the American Le Mans Series and was a chair of the stewards for the FIA, including 15 years stewarding in F1. His standing presents a credible threat to Ben Sulayem's position, with the Emirati having overseen four years of highly controversial governance at the FIA and who has already announced he intended to stand for re-election which will take place on 12 December. It is understood Mayer has already has the requisite selection of senior figures who would join him in key positions, which is required by any candidate and now faces the serious task of winning support from the motor sport associations that will decide the vote in December.
Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
FIA reduces penalty for swearing after driver backlash
FILE PHOTO: Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 4, 2025 FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem after the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo The maximum penalties for drivers swearing has been reduced by 50% while stewards will also be given more discretion on deciding penalties, the governing FIA said on Wednesday. Competitors in Formula One and rallying have been at loggerheads with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem over a crackdown on bad language during events. Ben Sulayem said last month that he was considering "improvements" to rules. World championship rally drivers had made a breakthrough in April when they reached a compromise to divide events into a controlled zone and an uncontrolled one, with the change now being implemented across all events sanctioned by the FIA. The FIA said the base maximum penalty has been reduced from 10,000 euros ($11,214) to 5,000 euros while stewards will have the option to fully suspend a penalty if it is the first offence by a driver or a team. Moreover, stewards will be able to differentiate between "controlled and non-controlled environments". Controlled environments include press conferences while tracks or rally stages are uncontrolled environments. "As a former rally driver, I know firsthand the range of emotions that are faced during competition," said Ben Sulayem, who is up for re-election at the end of the year. "I have led an extensive and collaborative review with contributions from across the seven FIA World Championships, FIA Member Clubs and other motor sports organisations. "The improvements the FIA has announced today to Appendix B will ensure we continue to promote the best of sportsmanship in motor sport, while also giving stewards effective guidelines to act against individuals who may bring the sport into disrepute." Appendix B covers stewards' penalty guidelines, setting out punishments for misconduct including words, deeds or writings that might have caused moral injury to the FIA or motorsport in general. Mitigating circumstances will also be considered while the abuse of officials will now result in sporting penalties instead of fines. Formula One Stewards Chair Garry Connelly said the new changes would give stewards guidance to "differentiate between on- and off-track issues". "Drivers are looked up to as role models by young fans and are rightly seen as ambassadors for the wider world of motor sport," said Ronan Morgan, president of the Drivers' Committee. "How they act really does matter but it is important to recognise that there is a difference between what is said during a race and in a press conference." Last season, Red Bull's triple world champion Max Verstappen was punished for his language in a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix in September. Meanwhile, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was fined 10,000 euros for swearing at the Mexico City Grand Prix. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Motor racing-FIA reduces penalty for swearing after driver backlash
FILE PHOTO: Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 4, 2025 FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem after the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo (Reuters) -The maximum penalties for drivers swearing has been reduced by 50% while stewards will also be given more discretion on deciding penalties, the governing FIA said on Wednesday. Competitors in Formula One and rallying have been at loggerheads with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem over a crackdown on bad language during events. Ben Sulayem said last month that he was considering "improvements" to rules. World championship rally drivers had made a breakthrough in April when they reached a compromise to divide events into a controlled zone and an uncontrolled one, with the change now being implemented across all events sanctioned by the FIA. The FIA said the base maximum penalty has been reduced from 10,000 euros ($11,214) to 5,000 euros while stewards will have the option to fully suspend a penalty if it is the first offence by a driver or a team. Moreover, stewards will be able to differentiate between "controlled and non-controlled environments". Controlled environments include press conferences while tracks or rally stages are uncontrolled environments. "As a former rally driver, I know firsthand the range of emotions that are faced during competition," said Ben Sulayem, who is up for re-election at the end of the year. "I have led an extensive and collaborative review with contributions from across the seven FIA World Championships, FIA Member Clubs and other motor sports organisations. "The improvements the FIA has announced today to Appendix B will ensure we continue to promote the best of sportsmanship in motor sport, while also giving stewards effective guidelines to act against individuals who may bring the sport into disrepute." Appendix B covers stewards' penalty guidelines, setting out punishments for misconduct including words, deeds or writings that might have caused moral injury to the FIA or motorsport in general. Mitigating circumstances will also be considered while the abuse of officials will now result in sporting penalties instead of fines. Formula One Stewards Chair Garry Connelly said the new changes would give stewards guidance to "differentiate between on- and off-track issues". "Drivers are looked up to as role models by young fans and are rightly seen as ambassadors for the wider world of motor sport," said Ronan Morgan, president of the Drivers'Committee. "How they act really does matter but it is important to recognise that there is a difference between what is said during a race and in a press conference." Last season, Red Bull's triple world champion Max Verstappen was punished for his language in a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix in September. Meanwhile, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was fined 10,000 euros for swearing at the Mexico City Grand Prix. ($1 = 0.8917 euros) (Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru;Editing by Christian Radnedge)
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
F1 driver's dad considering run for FIA presidency opposing Mohammed ben Sulayem
Mohammed ben Sulayem is currently unopposed in the FIA presidential election due to take place later this year, but it seems he could be challenged by a motorsport legend Carlos Sainz Snr could take on Mohammed ben Sulayem with a bid to become FIA president. The rally legend and father of Williams F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jnr is said to be considering running for the post after being approached by several figures keen to oust the incumbent leader. Ben Sulayem has not been a popular figure among many in the Formula 1 world and beyond. And he has further antagonised people this year with harsh swearing punishments which have angered drivers not just in F1 but in other FIA-sanctioned series. Several key figures have also departed the FIA, notably those who have spoken out against the president or not been a strong follower of his. That includes his deputy, Robert Reid, whose departure was announced last month. But despite his unpopularity, Ben Sulayem remains unopposed for the next FIA presidential election. It is due to take place later this year with the current president coming to the end of his four-year term, though an exact date has yet to be confirmed. According to Sainz Snr is considering running to provide an alternative candidate for those who do not want to vote for Ben Sulayem. The report quotes sources as having confirmed that key figures in motorsport are keen to back the Spanish former World Rally Champion. But it is understood that he is not likely to be the only one to run against Ben Sulayem. That is despite Susie Wolff, the managing director of F1 Academy and wife of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, dismissing speculation that she could make a bid for the presidency. The Wolffs have an ongoing legal case against the FIA after, in 2023, the governing body announced an inquiry over a 'conflict of interest' between their roles. Two days later it was withdrawn after a remarkable show of togetherness from every team in F1, each of which issued statements denying that they had asked for sure a probe. Sainz Snr is a hugely respected figure in the motorsport world owing to his success in rallying. Aged 63, he has continued to drive at a high level and even won the prestigious Dakar Rally in 2024 at the age of 61, just one year on from breaking his back in a horrific crash at the same event. He is regularly seen in the F1 paddock to support his son, Carlos Jnr, who this year races for Williams. He had previously spent four seasons driving for Ferrari and previously represented Toro Rosso, Renault and McLaren. But it will be tough for any challenger to remove Ben Sulayem. Despite the president's unpopularity among many federations, he retains the backing of a lot of them, particularly those which do not play a big role in motorsport on the global stage. But the way FIA presidential elections work means those smaller federations have exactly the same voting power as the larger ones, such as Britain's Motorsport UK. Last year, Ben Sulayem said he would welcome a challenge from anyone who wanted to run against him.
The Guardian
29-04-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
FIA president tinkers with laws amid F1 driver standoff over swearing fines
The standoff between drivers and the president of Formula One's governing body over the contentious issue of swearing may have taken a step towards resolution. Ahead of this week's Miami Grand Prix, FIA leader Mohammed ben Sulayem posted on Instagram that after 'constructive feedback' from drivers across the world of motorsport he is considering making 'improvements' to the document which lays out the punishments for a range of offences ranging from physical violence to political statements and swearing. Ben Sulayem has been attempting to crack down on swearing since last year and punishments were tightened for 2025 to allow for larger fines and suspensions for drivers who swear repeatedly but from the start, his efforts attracted controversy. 'Humans make the rules and humans can improve the rules,' Ben Sulayem wrote in his post, an indication that relations are improving, on Monday. 'The principle of continuous improvement is something I have always believed in and is at the heart of all we do at the FIA,' he added. Various drivers have called for a lenient approach to swearing out of frustration over the radio during a race, if a non-English speaker uses a word without being sure of its meaning, or if drivers use an expletive to describe themselves or their own car, not other people. 'We have to differentiate between our sport – motorsport – and rap music,' Ben Sulayem said when he announced his plans last year. 'We're not rappers, you know.' Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton said at the time that there was a 'racial element' to Ben Sulayem's comments, while Max Verstappen pointed out last year that 'in other sports you don't run around with a mic attached to you. I think a lot of people say a lot of bad things when they are full of adrenaline in other sports. It just doesn't get picked up.' Verstappen suggested it should be a problem for broadcasters, not drivers. The four-time champion said last year that TV includes drivers swearing 'probably also for entertainment purposes,' adding: 'I think it already just starts with not broadcasting it.' Whether there is significant progress will depend on the substance of any changes Ben Sulayem introduces. It appears he's focusing on how punishments work, not changing the rules themselves. There has already been one sign of a more flexible approach when Carlos Sainz wasn't fined for using an expletive in a news conference while he protested another fine for being late for a national anthem. Ben Sulayem's four years in office have been marked by repeated confrontations with drivers and senior officials. A change of course on swearing could mean less tension ahead of a potential re-election later this year.
