The FIA compliance officer has received two complaints regarding potential allegations involving certain members of its governing body. The complaints seem to be related to whistleblower claims against the president of Formula 1's governing body.
Recent reports by the BBC suggest that FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem allegedly intervened to overturn a penalty given to Fernando Alonso at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last year. Another report claims that Ben Sulayem instructed officials not to certify the Las Vegas circuit for a high-profile race in November.
The FIA stated that its Compliance Department is assessing these concerns to ensure due process is followed meticulously. However, no specific details about the allegations or the target of the investigation have been confirmed by the FIA.
These allegations come amidst a turbulent period in Formula 1, with recent controversies involving Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and now the scrutiny on Ben Sulayem. The whistleblower behind the claims is believed to be a former FIA employee now working for Formula One Management.
Ben Sulayem, who became FIA president in 2021, has faced criticism and accusations since his election. The allegations against him appear to be part of a power struggle between the governing body and F1 itself.
The recent claims include Ben Sulayem's alleged interference in overturning penalties and obstructing the certification of the Las Vegas circuit for a race. These actions have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and governance within the FIA.
The FIA has emphasized the need for formal complaints to initiate investigations into any improprieties. The ongoing investigations and controversies highlight the complexities and challenges within the world of Formula 1 governance.
As the F1 season progresses, the focus remains on the unfolding developments within the sport's regulatory bodies and the impact on key stakeholders involved.
