Jun.10 - New FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has backtracked after suggesting Formula 1 drivers were becoming too political.

He recently told Speed Week that it is not the role of those involved in motor racing to "become politicians", contrasting them with the likes of purists Alain Prost and Niki Lauda.

Sebastian Vettel, on the other hand, is "committed to environmental protection and sexual orientation tolerance", while Lewis Hamilton is "fighting racism".

"Lando Norris addresses the thorny issue of mental health," Ben Sulayem added. "All of this is a testament to how diverse our world has become, with numerous issues that need to be tackled.

"But it's also about not imposing your worldview on others and putting it above sport. I am a Muslim but would I ever force my culture on other people? Never," he said.

Following a social media backlash, however, Ben Sulayem has used the medium of Twitter to clarify his comments.

"As a driver, I have always believed in sport as a catalyst of progress in society," wrote the 60-year-old, who is one of the most successful ever Arab rally drivers.

"That is why promoting sustainability, diversity and inclusion is a key priority of my mandate," Ben Sulayem added. "In the same way, I value the commitment of all drivers and champions for a better future."


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13 F1 Fan comments on “FIA boss backtracks after his earlier Hamilton & Vettel criticism

  1. Jax

    And so begins the process of extracting his foot from mouth. Lol smh.
    Stay tuned for Siverstone when F1's MBS does another moon walk on the Sir Lewis piercing row nonsense. 😄

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    • Swede

      Yes, Mohammed will back down on the nose ring. Might eben het one himself to show solidarity.
      Don't think Muslims approve of "sexual orientation tolerance", so biting his tongue there too by saying all drivers can do/say what they like now.
      Y4s. Moonwalking out of all controversy it seems...

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  2. shroppyfly

    Well it isnt there job , so hes right, there job is to drive race cars, but that doesnt mean they cant comment on things, Another non story

    As for imposing your view on others , step forward Mr Hamilton

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    • Susan

      It only applies to others. I’ll let everyone pick who’s opinions matter. If someone feels that strongly about issues, get out of racing, run for public office where real change can occur. Talk is cheap!

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  3. Susan

    I am sorry Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem felt he had to backtrack his comments. It diminishes his position as being President of the FIA. Probably in the future, he’ll have to run any opinions he has with the drivers, team principles, pit crews, stewards, vendors, fans, janitorial workers before he goes public with his opinions. Wonderful!

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    • Swede

      Right. Just cut off his own balls.

      Lost cred with Ham's Peircings already.

      Maybe Flavio can take over? He doesn't seem to care about much...

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    • Donalf

      M, Ben Sulayem has only just started his first season and has surcombed to sir Lulu's whims, what do they say about "a new broom sweeps cleaner" in his case he seems to be sweeping around sir Lulu and giving him right of way, not a very good start is it, sorry Mr. Sulayem but your finished before you start. What f1 needs is a very strict school mistress, he, he, he, ha.

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      • shroppyfly

        Could also be playing the Nico game , knowing LaLas days are numbered and he doesn't want this spat to distract, probably been advised Lucy would play the race card if MBS pushes the issue

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  4. John B

    Sulayem is such a disappointment 😞
    Full of promise at the start but has succumbed to Tonto and that dickhead Hamilton
    He is 🏃‍♂️ running scared 😱. He may well ruin F1 for the loyal fans due to the increasing political influence creeping in.
    He needs to put up or shut up and piss off
    We need a strong 💪 voice at the FIA to tell the seemingly influential teams the way it should be and not how they see it can be influenced by media shit stories

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    • Jax

      Maybe you old fashioned types need to take your head out your asses and realise the fan base is growing. You stop watching....others take your place. F1 won't miss you. So stop 'whining'(the irony) and bitching about trivial things you can't control. How bout that? 🤔

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  5. shroppyfly

    What a shame his country doesn't believe in ( progress in society,diversity and inclusion , not forcing culture on other people ,freedom to express sexual orientation )

    I am finding it hard to take the new Boss seriously at times

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