Verstappen Meets FIA President After Swearing Penalty Controversy
Dec.2 - FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has hit back hard at Formula 1 drivers complaining about his current governance of the sport.
Recently, the Grand Prix Drivers' Association penned a letter complaining about penalties for swearing - and demanding to know how financial penalties are spent.
Multiple drivers say the FIA has yet to respond, whilst also expressing concern about a recent and ongoing exodus of top-ranking FIA officials.
Ben Sulayem hit back by insisting: "They should concentrate on what they do best - driving. The decisions of the FIA are not their business," he added, in quotes reproduced by multiple international publications including Diario Sport.
As for the drivers' demand that they should be informed about the behind-the-scenes affairs of the FIA, the controversial 63-year-old added: "Why do we have to tell them?
"If something changes with the teams, do they inform us? No, they do not. We have our own rules that we follow."
Ben Sulayem also denied there is a "crisis" underway at the FIA, insisting the situation is being talked up "from the paddock and by the British press".
"With all due respect," he added, "why do I have to answer everything to the media? I have a responsibility to the FIA members and the sport. The media is fine, but they have no voting rights in the FIA.
"I was elected to put the FIA in order and that is what I am doing."
As for the drivers' demand to know how their financial penalties are spent, Ben Sulayem responded: "They can ask, but the drivers are paid millions - and do I ask them how they spend it? No, it's their business.
"Do you really think I would waste this money? This is the members' money and I was elected to look after it. I was elected to fix the situation in the FIA and I am fixing it. And I am very happy with our new team."
Meanwhile, De Telegraaf newspaper reports that Max Verstappen - penalised for saying the F-word in an FIA press conference - had a clear-the-air meeting with the FIA president in Qatar.
Sources close to the quadruple world champion report that it was a "good and mature conversation".
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Bin Salem is nothing more than an arrogant prick! When he refuses to disclose how the money is spent, it only raises the scenario that he has something sinister to hide and doesn't want to give the media, or the public for that matter, any evidence to show misappropriation of funds under his control.
As for fixing the situation, why doesn't he state which situation needs to be fixed and what he has implemented to resolve those clandestine activities.
Fat chance🤑.
"Do you really think I would waste this money? This is the members' money and I was elected to look after it. I was elected to fix the situation in the FIA and I am fixing it. And I am very happy with our new team."
So he has the say on everything then, no committees etc, thats how it comes accross, which isnt how everyone else seems to think it should be run, and theres us thinking a presidents just a figurehead/spokesperson, I suppose hes not used to a democracy.... off with his/her head is more there style
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