Method One’s ruler Mohammed Ben Sulayem claims his enemies attempted to demolish him over the proposed introduction of an 11th crew – even when he was mourning the loss of life of his son.
The FIA president laid bare the infighting all around the Common Motors-backed Andretti team’s software to be a part of the grid from 2026.
Ben Sulayem opened an ‘expressions of interest’ system at the commencing of the calendar year and has because accredited the American bid. But he faces ongoing hostility from F1’s owners Liberty Media, who are assessing whether or not to approve Andretti’s introduction, and the current groups.
Liberty may possibly be forced to enhance upcoming prize funds, which the groups would have to share it an additional way.
‘I went via hell,’ said Ben Sulayem, who missing his son Saif, 29, in a highway incident in Dubai in March. ‘They attacked me even when my son died. They abused me to consider to crack me, just simply because I opened expressions of desire. We have a deal that lets for 12 teams, never neglect.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem promises his enemies attempted to ruin him around the proposed introduction of an 11th group – even while he was mourning the demise of his son
‘I ask myself, ‘What did I do to get all this abuse?’ How can you refuse GM? For God’s sake, they are an OEM (unique machines company).
‘I’m optimistic that they (Liberty) would not say no. It is superior for enterprise. It is excellent for motorsport. And if there is a further dependable, deserving group wanting admission I will open up a new expressions of curiosity approach.
‘I was elected to glance just after the activity. I place practically nothing in my pocket. There are no shareholders. There is no board of directors to share income. My mission is various from theirs.’
Ben Sulayem did not specify who was driving the alleged assaults, but he is assumed to be referring, at minimum in part, to media briefings. The FIA very last 7 days amplified the most fines for drivers to €1million (£870,000), a jump from €250,000 (£218,000). It is the first hike in 12 decades.
‘The previous polices dated to Jurassic Park,’ said Ben Sulayem. ‘A million is not some thing we want to impose. To prevent it: just stick to the guidelines.’
American outfit Andretti were supplied acceptance to be part of as an F1 staff by the FIA (pictured – operator Michael Andretti with Bin Sulayem ahead of the Miami Grand Prix in 2022)