The Bahrain Grand Prix paddock receives Mohammed Ben Sulayem as his initial event of the Formula 1 season while facing substantial scrutiny. The FIA president leads the series as multiple power actors compete to transform how Formula 1 will be governed during its approaching 2026 redesign.
The public scrutiny aimed at Ben Sulayem intensifies because of doubts surrounding the Concorde Agreement. The DNA element of F1 politics and finance lies in the three-way treaty known as the Concorde Agreement which connects Liberty Media and both FIA and F1 teams. The agreement controls both the sport’s governance structure and sets rules and most critically determines how Formula 1’s enormous profit distribution takes place.
Bar the upcoming season expiration of the agreement all teams through Liberty Media have already agreed to terms under the new Concorde deal. The official announcement came immediately before the Australian Grand Prix start-up where commercial sides of F1 showed remarkable unity. The F1’s commercial future remains secure because of this agreement which proves that the economic strength of the sport has reached its highest point yet.
The signature on behalf of FIA tasks has not appeared in the latest version.
Ben Sulayem’s team states the commercial agreement nears completion according to them however sources indicate the pause is about more than just signing formal documents. The FIA president expected the teams to accepting better financial conditions as part of the deal but they decided to move ahead without him. The approaching quick agreements between teams shocked those at the FIA who were not prepared for it. The disagreement between the parties has resulted in an impasse that people now see in public.
The core of the dispute? Money — and influence.
The president of the FIA has openly shared his organizational plans for the future. He states that the organization takes on growing expenses because it functions as a regulatory body in a 24-race environment. Even as its duties expand through race control operations and marshals training and regulation enforcement the FIA does not receive sufficient compensation. The FIA administrator Ben Sulayem believes increased popularity of the sport necessitates a larger revenue allotment for the federation.
Such an official position is causing discontent among various parties. Liberty Media together with the teams show strong willingness to finalize the agreement in order to maintain ongoing stability. The delays caused by the FIA create a situation that threatens the strategic bond between the commercial partners and Formula 1 since they completed their business arrangement.
This struggle for power between Liberty Media and the FIA exists similarly to the tense political period throughout F1 history. The political landscape of this situation has shifted during this latest occurrence. Aside from financial gains Ben Sulayem faces criticism regarding his administrative practices and he is under a microscope for the way he leads the FIA.
The chairman of Motorsport UK David Richards enters the scene at this point. The public release by David Richards exposed FIA under Ben Sulayem’s failure to protect the statutes that govern the organization with which it is entrusted. The council meeting where Richards was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement along with the concerns he expressed about transparency and governance and election pledge noncompliance form the backbone of his complaint. The term “gagging order” emerged from Richards’ description of this new executive directive within FIA.
Richards didn’t stop at rhetoric. Lawful proceedings might start if the FIA does not resolve the presented issues according to the warnings issued by Richards which further intensifies Ben Sulayem’s current essential need for unity.
The letter written by general manager Alberto Villarreal of the FIA did not satisfy critics who believed it lacked substance compared to what a conciliatory response should contain. The statement from the governing body failed to produce concrete solutions to the identified issues thus demonstrating an unwillingness to conduct meaningful talks.
Liberty Media has maintained silence about the matter although it becomes increasingly obvious that political controversies surrounding the FIA will become more difficult for the organization to avoid. The F1 needs to avoid a governance crisis because it faces major regulation changes along with new car makers including Cadillac in 2026.
The decisions made by Ben Sulayem during his presidency will establish his enduring impact on the organization. He must find improved financial terms for the FIA without damaging the existing political stability in the sport. Ben Sulayem may face an extended political dispute which could postpone essential management and business interactions.
The Bahrain Grand Prix functions beyond racing because it tests the practical and political influence of Ben Sulayem. The paddock and the media will carefully examine all interactions between Ben Sulayem and stakeholders to verify whether he shows signs of dispute or unions.
Time has become a crucial factor for Formula 1 as the sport needs to avoid experiencing a future of dissent. Ben Sulayem needs this weekend to demonstrate his ability to direct the FIA toward one of the critical points in contemporary F1 history while ensuring that both pole position and the finishing line are achieved.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s