The president of the FIA, the organization overseeing Formula 1, has rejected claims that he was responsible for a recent spate of staff firings, including the unexpected dismissal of race director Niels Wittich, just a few races before the season concludes. This decision has drawn criticism from drivers who have voiced concerns over the FIA’s lack of transparency pertaining to its operations.
In a phone interview during the Qatar Grand Prix, Mohammed Ben Sulayem clarified that he did not personally initiate the terminations of three race stewards. He questioned the narrative that often follows such dismissals, suggesting that many who lose their jobs may resort to blaming others. “We have nearly 300 (stewards) working for us,” Ben Sulayem stated, indicating that he prefers to empower department heads instead of micro-managing their decisions.
Wittich’s departure was a shock to the drivers, especially considering it occurred just before last week’s Las Vegas race with only three events left in the season. The unsettling atmosphere grew further when two additional dismissals were reported prior to the race in Qatar, including the firing of race steward Tim Mayer via text message. Additionally, Janette Tan, who had recently been promoted to a race director role in Formula 2, also departed from her position.
Drivers have expressed their frustration throughout the season concerning the inconsistency of decisions made by race stewards. They were particularly taken aback by the swift actions taken against the officials, as they arrived in Qatar. George Russell, a member of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, highlighted the destabilizing effects of such frequent turnover within the FIA. “This is quite challenging for any team,” he remarked, calling for clearer communication regarding ongoing personnel changes.
While addressing reporters in Qatar, Ben Sulayem stood firm on his stance, stating that it was “none of their business” how the FIA conducts its affairs. He reiterated that he had not ordered any personnel changes and clarified that the FIA is not obligated to communicate these matters to teams and drivers. “Do the teams and drivers come and tell us when they are making changes? No,” he commented.
Earlier this month, the GPDA even established an Instagram account aimed at demanding the FIA treat drivers with respect and to reconsider its approach to enforcing rules around language and jewelry. “Just when we’ve asked for a bit of transparency and consistency, we’re getting rid of two highly important people in the governing body,” Russell pointed out, stressing the peculiar timing and lack of explanation for Wittich’s termination.
Ben Sulayem provided no detailed reasons for any of the staffing changes and clarified that the decisions to change stewards were made by the specific divisions overseeing single-seater racing. He emphasized that the role of the stewards is to enforce rules that are not dictated by him but have longstanding origins, some dating back as far as 1972.
“I did not write the rules and I do not implement them,” he said, highlighting that he has inherited these regulations. He also mentioned that he urged the enforcement of certain aspects that were previously neglected, such as prohibitions against swearing in official settings. “We have young people, the age of 5, watching… This sport has discipline and respect,” Ben Sulayem concluded.
