The president of FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, is being investigated for possibly interfering in the race at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The FIA ethics committee is reportedly looking into an allegation involving FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and his alleged interference with a Formula 1 race during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last year. The claim revolves around Ben Sulayem purportedly suggesting that a penalty imposed on Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso should be rescinded. This penalty caused Alonso to drop from third to fourth place in the race, but following a review, his podium position was reinstated.

This development has prompted an investigation by the FIA ethics committee, and sources have informed Sky Sports News about this ongoing matter. Inquiring about the situation, Sky Sports News reached out to the FIA for a comment, seeking clarity on the reported investigation.

The incident in question involved a 10-second penalty being issued to Fernando Alonso, resulting in his demotion from the third position to fourth behind Red Bull drivers Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen, as well as Mercedes’ George Russell. The penalty stemmed from Alonso’s incorrect start position, as he was found to have lined up too far to the left of his grid box at the commencement of the race. Although he briefly led the race after overtaking pole-sitter Perez, the Spanish driver’s journey to the podium was disrupted by the penalties imposed during the event.

Notably, Alonso’s team, Aston Martin, successfully advocated for the reversal of the penalty through their representation to the race stewards. The initial penalty was compounded by a subsequent 10-second penalty, given due to the alleged rule infringement by the pit crew. This particular decision was only communicated post-race, sparking discontent from Alonso who criticized the timing of the decision, referring to it as a “poor show” from the FIA.

Aston Martin’s appeal, based on prior instances where similar incidents had not led to penalties, granted them a right to a review, ultimately leading to the reversal of the stewards’ decision the following day. At the time, there were no indications of impropriety surrounding the incident, and the subsequent investigation by the FIA ethics committee underscores the significance and sensitivity of the matter at hand.