FIA president Ben Sulayem anticipates second term: 'FIA in a better shape'

Why Ben Sulayem believes FIA is in a better shape

Ben Sulayem says he is "one hundred percent" sure that the motorsport federation is in better shape than before he started as successor to Jean Todt, who held the post for 12 years. "The FIA is in a better shape, the FIA is healthier. And the [F1] teams also need a strong and healthy FIA because nobody wants to spend [money] in a championship that is not governed," he told Autosport.com.

Next year, the current FIA president's first term expires and he hopes to be re-elected. He cordially invites any other candidates to also stand for election. "And one other thing; if there's anyone who wants to have a [presidential] race with me, [I would be] more than happy."

In the same interview, Ben Sulayem spoke out about the way he is portrayed by the media, particularly referring to the British media. In doing so, he also mentioned Max Verstappen, who Adrian Newey said was being "demonised" by the British media. The FIA president feels that he himself has been convicted.

This article has been created in collaboration with Nicole Mulder