Ben Sulayem: For God's sake, British media convicted me

Ever since Ben Sulayem took over the top job at Formula 1's governing body, he has been a divisive and controversial figure, to say the least.

We at GrandPrix247 gave the Emirati a break at the start, keeping in mind that he may come under attack since he entered his role not being a member of the establishment, but he has done himself no favors with the manner in which he conducted himself on several topics.

While his beef with Lewis Hamilton on wearing jewelry may have had a "safety" justification, it was clearly Ben Sulayem's way of getting back at the Briton who snubbed the 2021 FIA Awards gala following the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix safety car controversy.

However, his latest swearing saga with Max Verstappen was simply a desperate attempt from Ben Sulayem to get into the spotlight.

As for the Andretti Cadillac F1 bid, Ben Sulayem did the right thing by supporting them, while his strategy was questionable, to be honest. But then he did a U-turn on the matter and hung Andretti-Cadillac out to dry, conveniently when his re-election campaign started.

In an interview with Motorsport.com, Ben Sulayem referred to a recent statement from Adrian Newey on how Sebastian Vettel before, and now Verstappen did not receive the credit they deserved from the British media.

But the FIA president decided to make things about him; he said: "I respect Max [Verstappen] because I'm a driver. I was a champion and I respect winners and champions.

"I see he had his share [of mistreatment], but let's talk about me. If you look at the British media and what they did to me… For God's sake, they convicted me.

"They didn't accuse me [of anything], but they keep on [going]. And do I care? No. Why? Because what are they after? They are after selling and getting more coverage for them[selves]. Of course, yes.

"But they have no power over me and over the FIA," the 62-year old insisted.

Ben Sulayem called on the media to stop their attacks and focus on what is more important, claiming he became stronger.

"With due respect to the British media or any other media, they don't have a vote," he continued. "We are an independent, democratic federation. It's the world of membership that elected me. The power is with the General Assembly, not with them.

"And you know what? Can we just stop this nonsense and go back to business and do what is better for the sport? If you can? I'm asking. If they [the media] don’t want to do that, it’s up to them.

"But life goes on. You know what they did to me? They made me stronger. I'm more careful now and more wise," he claimed. "And I have the support [of the member clubs]. And if and when the members decide that it’s time to change me as president, it's their call.

"At the end of the day, who put me there? It's the General Assembly, it's the members. I'm very, very clear with this. And if they don't like it, it's up to them.

"But I don't go back to anyone, I don't answer very much of you [members of the media] and I don't retaliate. Why? Because I don't have the time.

"I'm so busy answering what the members want and what motorsport wants," Ben Sulayem concluded.

Ben Sulayem has found himself in hot waters with Formula One Management after commenting on reports the sport was up for sale to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, claiming the rumored price was too much, which meant he received a legal letter from the sport's owner, Liberty Media.

He also bungled the Toto and Susie Wolff conflict of interest investigation, with the FIA now slapped with a lawsuit by Susie Wolff.

Funny, we haven't heard much about this lawsuit lately...