FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem scrutinised: 'Talk of power struggle'

The Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) lashed out at Mohammed Ben Sulayem in an extensive statement. The statement said the FIA president needed to speak out less about the drivers and not make swearing and wearing jewellery important in his policies. The drivers felt they were treated like children.

"Nothing is shocking to me anymore with the FIA, mostly with the FIA president," Schumacher said in a Formel1.de video. "He wants to have a word in all areas. You see him often, he gives out trophies to the drivers, which is great, but it would be quite shameful if he was the one to push such a well-performed man to the side (Wittich)."

Pressure on the FIA

When asked about Ben Sulayem being a good president, Ralf is therefore clear: "No. I would have expected way more from him. And I think a good FIA president uses his influence to make the situation better for the FIA, and the drivers. I think here it is an ongoing fight for shares or more power in Formula One, I think there’s an ongoing fight for power between Formula One and Liberty Media".

"You get the feeling that Ben Sulayem is not happy with his position. There is talks about certain amounts of money, the FIA is under financial pressure. All this is a shame, so I have to say no. I will go way back, and I don’t mean to offend anyone with this, but I’m a big fan of Max Mosley, who, in my opinion lead the FIA way differently," Schumacher added.

According to various reports, Ben Sulayem was not solely responsible for Niels Wittich's dismissal. Auto, Motor und Sport, for example, claimed that the drivers were not be happy with the race director and that this was a response to please the drivers.

This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton