FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem declares that he has actually not been dealt with relatively by the British media throughout his period.
Ben Sulayem's remarks concerning the media in the UK can be found in the wake of Adrian Newey's look on the High Performance podcast, in which he spoke about his factors for leaving Red Bull to sign up with Aston Martin.
The designer said that both Max Verstappen and ex-Red Bull motorist Sebastian Vettel have actually been unjustly dealt with by the British media, mentioning “there's this sort of demonisation, both of them suffered sometimes, which is really unreasonable”.
In a special interview with Motorsport.com, Ben Sulayem concurred with Newey's remarks and provided his own viewpoint on the function the media play in motorsport.
“I appreciate Max [Verstappen] since I'm a motorist. I was a champ and I appreciate winners and champs,” he stated.
“I see he had his share [of mistreatment]however let's discuss me. If you take a look at the British media and what they did to me … For God's sake, they convicted me.
“They didn't implicate me [of anything]however they continue [going]And do I care? No. Why? Since what are they after? They seek offering and getting more protection for them[selves]Obviously, yes.
“But they have no power over me and over the FIA.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, talks to Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA
Image by: Sam Bloxham/ Motorsport Images
“With due regard to the British media or any other media, they do not have a vote. We are an independent, democratic federation. It's the world of subscription that chose me. The power is with the General Assembly, not with them.
“And you understand what? Can we simply stop this rubbish and return to service and do what is much better for the sport? If you can? I'm asking. If they [the media] do not wish to do that, it's up to them.
“But life goes on. You understand what they did to me? They made me more powerful. I'm more mindful now and more smart.
“And I have the assistance [of the member clubs]And if and when the members choose that it's time to alter me as president, it's their call.
“At the end of the day, who put me there? It's the General Assembly, it's the members. I'm extremely, extremely clear with this. And if they do not like it, it depends on them.”
“But I do not return to anybody, I do not address quite of you [members of the media] and I do not strike back. Why? Since I do not have the time. I'm so hectic addressing what the members desire and what motorsport desires.”
Delighted to have a governmental race
Ben Sulayem, who wants to be re-elected as FIA president next year, is encouraged that the federation remains in a much better state now than at the end of 2021,