FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem cleared of interfering in F1 races in Saudi Arabia and Las Vegas last year…. with ethics committee finding ‘no evidence of wrongdoing’
- Mohammed Ben Sulayem was referred to his own ethics committee
- FIA president accused of overturning penalty imposed on Fernando Alonso
- Also claims he tried to block the certification of the Las Vegas Grand Prix
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been acquitted of interference in the Formula 1 races in Saudi Arabia and Las Vegas last year.
Ben Sulayem was accused of interfering with the outcome of last year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – specifically overturning a penalty given to Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso – and attempting to overturn the certification of the Las Vegas Grand Prix to block.
However, he was cleared following a thorough investigation by the FIA Compliance Department, an independent ethics body.
A statement said: ‘The FIA Compliance Department, supported by external advisors, has thoroughly investigated allegations of possible interference in sporting decisions at Formula 1 events in 2023.
‘After reviewing the results of the investigation, the Ethics Committee was unanimous in its decision that there was no evidence to substantiate allegations of interference of any kind involving FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been acquitted of interference in Formula 1 races
Ben Sulayem was accused of upsetting the outcome of last year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix by overturning a penalty given to Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.
‘Concerns about possible interference were brought to the attention of the FIA Compliance Officer and subsequently passed to the FIA Ethics Committee under Article 32.2.5 of the FIA Statutes.
‘A robust and extensive 30-day independent investigation followed, during which interviews with eleven witnesses took place.
‘Allegations against the FIA President were unsubstantiated and strong evidence beyond all reasonable doubt was presented to support the FIA Ethics Committee’s determination.
‘The FIA President was cleared of any wrongdoing in relation to allegations (i) that he interfered with the Stewards’ decision to overturn an additional penalty for car 14 following a challenge from the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 team at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and (ii) attempting to disrupt the track certification process for the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Certification was completed and approved on time.
“The President has demonstrated full cooperation, transparency and compliance throughout this investigation, which has been greatly appreciated.”