The FIA Ethics Committee recently concluded its investigation into the allegations made against FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, ultimately finding the claims “unsubstantiated” and clearing him of any interference with the 2023 Saudi Arabian and Las Vegas Grands Prix. In a statement, the committee emphasized that there was “no evidence to substantiate allegations of interference” by Ben Sulayem, including the attempt to influence the Stewards’ decision regarding a penalty on Car 14 (Fernando Alonso) during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and any involvement in the track certification process for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Specifically, the investigation stemmed from claims that Ben Sulayem had communicated a desire for the reversal of an additional penalty imposed on Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The penalty controversy arose after Alonso, who had started the race in P2 and led for the first four laps, received a five-second time penalty for an incorrect start position. Subsequently, the stewards imposed an additional 10-second penalty due to a rule violation by the pit crew. Aston Martin appealed the decision, leading to the stewards reversing their decision the following morning, amid ongoing discussions and debates.
The other focal point of the investigation pertained to the process of certification of the circuit used for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. However, the FIA Ethics Committee’s thorough assessment found no evidence to support the allegations against Ben Sulayem with regard to the certification process for the event.
With these findings, the FIA Ethics Committee has brought this issue to a resolution, providing clarification and closure on the alleged interference during the 2023 Grands Prix events. These developments underscore the importance of upholding ethical standards and impartiality in the administration of motorsport, and they reaffirm the commitment to transparency and fairness within the FIA.
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