F1 News
Ben Sulayem has advice for Liberty Media: 'Don't forget where it all began'
Rwanda, Thailand and South Africa are but some of the most recent countries interested in hosting an F1 Grand Prix in an already about to burst calendar of 24 races per season. FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem once again states he has a different view to that of the FOM and Liberty Media, current right holders of the Formula One World Championship, of holding a 24 rounds long season.
Ben Sulayem has advice for Liberty Media
Along the years, F1 has been dropping landmark circuits, or as in the case of Spa-Francorchamps, entering the Belgian Grand Prix in a rotation system as of 2028, to make room in the calendar for street races in culturally relevant places, but that lack motorsport heritage. Speaking to Le Figaro, the FIA President stated that, "It’s not the federation’s responsibility."
Whilst complimenting Liberty Media for "doing a great job", Ben Sulayem added. "I couldn’t be happier if F1 returned to France, but also to Germany. It’s good to open up to new countries, but we mustn’t forget where the story began," before giving his take on the amount of Grand Prix's that are currently being held in a season. "I think it’s a bit too much. I said it and I was attacked by a lot of media. Twenty races was enough.
"From the beginning, I think we need fewer Grands Prix, but more teams," the FIA President added. "That’s why we brought in General Motors with Cadillac. Many people were against it, but I think it’s a good decision for the sport.
Who does Ben Sulayem predict will come out on top in the F1 2025 season?
When asked to make a prediction on the upcoming Formula One season, which is said to be one of the most exciting in recent history due to how close the teams' performances are, Ben Sulayem can't help but laugh: "I won’t answer you. To tell you the truth, when I attend a Grand Prix, I am sometimes asked who is in the lead, and I have no idea. I am there to make sure that the race takes place in perfect conditions of safety and fairness," concluded the FIA President.
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