F1 News
FIA make public outcome of investigation of chairman Ben Sulayem
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been cleared of possible interference in sporting decisions during Formula 1 events in 2023. After considering the results of the investigation, the Ethics Commission was unanimous in their decision that there was no evidence to support allegations of interference of any kind involving FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The FIA inform.
A month ago, it was revealed via the BBC that the Emirati allegedly interfered with a time penalty imposed on Fernando Alonso at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix a year ago. After the Spaniard initially received a 10-second penalty - losing third place - the decision was later reversed. It was later leaked through the same whistleblower that the FIA president had tried to have the Las Vegas Grand Prix cancelled. Thereupon, the motorsport federation decided to conduct an internal investigation of the Emirati - incidentally without naming him in the first instance.
'Allegations were unsubstantiated'
In the release detailing the outcome of the investigation, it reads: "There followed a robust and wide-ranging independent review spanning 30 days, which included interviews with 11 witnesses. Allegations against the FIA President were unsubstantiated and strong evidence beyond any reasonable doubt was presented to support the determination of the FIA Ethics Committee."
Finally, the FIA thanked Ben Sulayem for his openness, transparency and the way he cooperated during the investigation.