Schumacher: Real problem Ben Sulayem has no connection to drivers at all

The decision was universally disparaged across the F1 community and also flummoxed Schumacher. The former F1 driver turned pundit points the blame to one man in particular: Ben Sulayem. And the German is done with him.

Schumacher said on Sky Deutschland: "He plays a rather tragic role in the whole affair. He has no connection to F1 drivers at all. It is absurd to make an example of Max Verstappen with a penalty; a warning would have been more than enough.

"And if you're planning something like that, you have to involve the drivers. Then you report to the GPDA or the drivers' briefing to explain your point. Maybe then they can understand it."

Schumacher continued: "Ben Sulayem is a real problem in my eyes. First, he got into trouble because of the Susie Wolff affair and then with Liberty Media, something that almost cost him his job. He cuts a grim figure, seeking publicity, and often photobombs the winner's podium.

"I would advise the FIA to think about someone new. This cannot continue like this," warned Schumacher.

"We know that Max feels unfairly treated. He must try to get something meaningful out of a pointless community service order. Perhaps he should propose to do something that is close to his heart. I cannot imagine that the FIA president will back down," added the 49-year-old German.

Furthermore, Schumacher takes Verstappen's quit threat seriously: "He is completely independent, has enough money, and has already indicated several times that he will not remain active in Formula 1 forever. I would therefore not rule it out at all."

Emirati Ben Sulayem was elected as FIA president for a four-year term in December 2021, replacing Jean Todt, who served in the role for three terms. The Frenchman was first elected in 2009.