Ben Sulayem: Criticism Proves I Am Right

Leading Motorsport Headlines: FIA Stance, Track Innovations, and Junior Series Comebacks

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem Responds to Allegations and Defends 2021 Title Decider

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has recently confronted a barrage of accusations, explicitly denying claims of sexism and steadfastly dismissing criticism regarding the governing body’s handling of the contentious 2021 Formula 1 championship decider in Abu Dhabi. His public statements aim to clarify his position and the FIA’s integrity amidst ongoing scrutiny, underscoring the complexities of leading a global motorsport federation.

The accusations of sexism stem from a comment attributed to Ben Sulayem on his former official website, mohammedbensulayem.com. The statement, which suggested he does not “women who think they are smarter than men, for they are not in truth,” was republished earlier this year in a newspaper article, sparking considerable debate and leading to further accusations of sexism and bullying from another media outlet. Such comments, regardless of their original context or intent, highlight the persistent challenges faced by motorsport in promoting inclusivity and gender equality within its highest ranks. The public reaction underscored the significant sensitivity surrounding such issues and the expectation for leaders to champion progressive values.

Responding to these deeply personal attacks, especially in the wake of the tragic death of his son, Saif, earlier this year, Ben Sulayem stated, “The attack on me earlier this year was inhuman, with the tragedy that I had.” He conveyed his belief to the Press Association that he is being targeted precisely “Because I am doing the right thing,” suggesting that his leadership decisions and efforts to reform the sport may have drawn opposition from certain quarters. This stance positions him as a figure committed to his vision, even when it leads to personal or professional friction.

Beyond personal allegations, Ben Sulayem also provided a robust defense of the FIA’s decision not to alter the outcome of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This race concluded with immense controversy after then-race director Michael Masi failed to correctly apply the FIA’s safety car rules, directly influencing the championship’s final lap and, ultimately, the world title. The decision to uphold the result, despite widespread debate and an internal FIA investigation that acknowledged procedural breaches, has remained a point of contention for many fans and figures within the sport.

To contextualize his unwavering position, Ben Sulayem drew a parallel to a historical sporting moment: England’s disputed second goal against West Germany in the 1966 football World Cup final. He rhetorically questioned, “Was that correct? Did they change it? No.’ Did they give it to Germany? Nein.” This analogy serves to emphasize his view that once a result is declared in a major sporting event, even if controversial, it stands as part of history. It reflects a governing philosophy that prioritizes finality and avoids retrospectively altering outcomes, regardless of the subsequent analysis or public debate surrounding the initial decision-making. This unwavering stance underscores the difficulty of reconciling sporting integrity with the emotional impact of contentious moments.

Formula E Redefines the Berlin E-Prix with a Revised Tempelhof Circuit for 2024

Berlin holds a unique and prestigious position in the Formula E calendar, being the only city to have hosted a race in every single season since the championship’s inception in 2014. This consistent presence highlights Berlin’s importance not only as a vibrant European capital but also as a city committed to sustainable mobility, aligning perfectly with Formula E’s core values. For the upcoming 2024 season, the iconic Tempelhof Airport circuit, a staple venue for the series, is set to undergo a significant and intriguing layout revision, promising a fresh challenge for drivers and an enhanced spectacle for fans.

The Tempelhof Airport track has a rich, albeit varied, history within Formula E. The layout used for the inaugural Berlin E-Prix in 2015 was unique but short-lived, as the race relocated the following year to a dynamic street circuit based around the bustling Karl-Marx-Allee. When Formula E returned to Tempelhof in 2017, it featured a significantly different configuration, which has since seen further innovation, notably being run in reverse for several races since 2020. That particular year marked a memorable triple-header event in Berlin, where the third race creatively utilized the regular layout but incorporated additional corners in the middle sector to further mix up the racing dynamics and challenge the teams.

The 2024 revisions represent another evolution in Tempelhof’s journey. One of the most significant changes involves the relocation of the start/finish straight and the pit lane to what was previously the back straight. This strategic move is expected to alter the race flow and tactical options significantly. Furthermore, the track will be transformed from its usual 10 corners to a more intricate 15-corner layout. This increase is achieved by breaking up several of the longer, sweeping sections into multiple apexes, demanding greater precision and technical skill from the drivers. As a direct consequence of these modifications, the track will be extended by an additional 210 meters, making it longer and more demanding. These changes are designed to enhance overtaking opportunities, introduce new strategic considerations, and deliver even more thrilling wheel-to-wheel action in one of Formula E’s most historic venues, solidifying Berlin’s place as a cornerstone of electric motorsport.

Australian F4 Championship Set for a Major Revival in 2024

The vital pipeline for aspiring racing drivers in Australia is set to receive a significant boost with the announcement that the Australian Formula 4 championship will be relaunched in 2024. This revival marks a crucial moment for junior motorsport in the region, aiming to provide a clear pathway for young talent to progress towards international racing series. The championship is slated for a five-round season, notably including races abroad, signaling ambitious plans for its renewed iteration.

The original Australian Formula 4 series, overseen by the nation’s motorsport governing body, ran from 2015 to 2019. Despite its initial promise as a crucial stepping stone, the championship came under increasing scrutiny in its final seasons as entry lists dwindled, raising concerns about its sustainability and competitiveness. This decline occurred even with the prestigious opportunity of a support slot at the Australian Grand Prix. Ultimately, the 2020 campaign was called off in September 2019, and unfortunately, no concerted effort was made to revive the series in the subsequent years, leaving a noticeable gap in the national motorsport development ladder.

The new era for Australian F4 will be spearheaded by Chinese promoter Top Speed, a highly experienced entity already responsible for the successful Formula 4 championships in the United Arab Emirates and Southeast Asia. Their involvement brings not only financial backing but also a proven track record in organizing and elevating junior single-seater series. This partnership is expected to instill confidence and provide a stable foundation for the championship’s long-term success. The revived series will utilize the Tatuus T-421 car, a modern and widely acclaimed chassis that features prominently in many leading European F4 championships. The choice of the T-421 ensures parity, cost-effectiveness, and high-level competition, aligning Australian F4 with international standards and facilitating easier transitions for drivers seeking to compete abroad.

The provisional 2024 calendar outlines an exciting schedule designed to challenge drivers and showcase their abilities across diverse circuits. The season is set to commence with two rounds at the renowned The Bend Motorsport Park, a state-of-the-art facility offering various layouts and challenges. Following this, the championship will move to Queensland Raceway and Sydney Motorsport Park, two iconic Australian venues known for their technical demands. A significant highlight of the revitalized calendar is the inclusion of a round at the former Malaysian Grand Prix venue, Sepang International Circuit. This international foray provides invaluable experience for young Australian drivers, exposing them to different conditions and a broader competitive landscape, crucial for their development and aspirations for higher echelons of motorsport. The return of Australian F4 under such strong leadership and with a robust technical package promises a bright future for aspiring racers Down Under.

Motorsport Insights: Essential Links and Developments from Around the Globe

Stay updated with these pivotal motor racing links of interest, offering deeper dives into the stories shaping our sport:

Mercedes-Benz F1 Team Faces FTX Crypto Fraud Lawsuit (The Telegraph)
The world of Formula 1, despite its high-octane glamour, is not immune to complex legal challenges. A recent investor lawsuit alleges that the Mercedes Formula 1 team “aided and abetted” a multi-billion dollar fraud at FTX, the now-collapsed cryptocurrency exchange, through its lucrative sponsorship deal. This development highlights the increasing scrutiny of sponsorship agreements, particularly those involving volatile industries like cryptocurrency, and the potential legal repercussions for major sporting entities. It raises questions about due diligence and the broader ethical implications for teams partnering with emerging financial platforms, potentially impacting their brand image and financial stability.

IndyCar Targets Major New Event for 2025, Says Mark Miles (Racer)
In a bid to expand its footprint and capture new audiences, IndyCar is actively exploring the addition of a significant new event as early as 2025. Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles indicated this strategic move, drawing inspiration from NASCAR’s successful Chicago street race and Formula 1’s thriving new events in Miami and Las Vegas. This signifies IndyCar’s commitment to innovation and growth, recognizing the need for impactful, fan-centric events to compete in the increasingly dynamic American motorsport landscape. The search for an undisclosed venue suggests a bold and potentially transformative addition to the championship calendar.

Thibaut Courtois’ Team Set to Tackle the Dakar Rally with Christine GZ (AutoHebdo)
The allure of the Dakar Rally continues to attract diverse talent, now extending into the realm of top-tier football. Real Madrid and Belgian national team goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is expanding his motorsport involvement, with his team preparing to participate in the upcoming edition of the legendary Dakar Rally. They will feature Extreme E star Christine GZ, a move that highlights the growing cross-pollination between different motorsport disciplines and the increasing profile of rally-raid events. This venture, alongside Courtois’ team’s existing presence in Spanish F4, showcases a holistic commitment to various forms of racing.

Interview with Alvaro Martinez: ‘Satisfied with having transferred the Spanish F4 format to Eurocup-3’ (Italiaracing)
The success story of Spanish F4 continues to inspire, with its remarkable growth creating a robust talent pipeline in the Iberian Peninsula. This success has directly led to the establishment of Eurocup-3, a new series designed to bridge the gap between F4 and higher-tier single-seater categories. Alvaro Martinez expresses satisfaction with this progression, as Eurocup-3, featuring Formula Regional cars with revised aerodynamics, expands its international presence. For 2024, five of its eight calendar stages will be held outside Spanish borders, further solidifying its relevance on the international motorsport stage and providing critical development opportunities for young drivers across Europe.

Nine Key Insights from the Unforgettable F1 Season (Daily Mail)
The recently concluded Formula 1 season delivered a narrative of unprecedented dominance, largely centered around Max Verstappen. Beyond simply being the “driver of the year,” Verstappen’s performance was a masterclass, rewriting record books and culminating in a championship that, while seemingly a foregone conclusion, transformed into a true phenomenon. Observers from Red Bull marvel at his “extreme fearlessness,” pinpointing this unique talent as a key differentiator. The season evolved from a predictable spectacle to a demonstration of an athlete operating at the peak of his powers, sparking debates about the nature of competitive excellence in modern F1.

Mercedes Faces Uphill Battle for 2024 After Disastrous 2023, Hamilton’s Assessment Damning (The Sun)
With the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix just 95 days away, the pressure is mounting intensely on the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. Their 2023 season was widely regarded as a “total disaster from start to finish,” a sentiment underscored by Lewis Hamilton’s damning assessment. This stark reality means Mercedes has an immense amount of work ahead to rectify the performance deficits and return to championship-contending form. The challenge for 2024 will not only be technical but also psychological, as the team strives to rebuild confidence and deliver a car worthy of their legacy and the talents of their drivers.

WEC Targets Expanded 40-Car Minimum Grid for 2025 Season (Sportscar365)
The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is planning a significant expansion, aiming for a minimum 40-car full-season grid by 2025. According to series boss Frederic Lequien, feasibility studies are actively underway to manage the logistical challenges, including the possibility of LMGT3 teams sharing garage spaces at certain capacity-constrained events. This ambitious target reflects the surging interest in endurance racing, particularly with the influx of new manufacturers in the Hypercar class, promising an even more competitive and spectacular championship for the coming years.

Highlights of the Macau Grand Prix – FIA F3 World Cup (YouTube)
Relive the thrilling moments from one of motorsport’s most iconic and demanding street races. This video captures the best of the Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix – FIA F3 World Cup, a race renowned for its incredibly tight corners, high speeds, and unforgiving barriers. Macau is often seen as a proving ground for future F1 stars, and these highlights showcase the sheer talent and bravery required to conquer the Guia Circuit, providing a snapshot of the intense competition and drama that defines this prestigious event.

We always endeavour to credit original sources. If you have a tip for a link relating to single-seater motorsport to feature in the next RaceFans round-up, please send it to us via the contact form.

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Social Media Buzz: Key Moments and Driver Reactions

Catch up on notable posts and insights from X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and more, offering a glimpse into the social pulse of motorsport:

@fortune

McLaren CEO Zak Brown said the team’s culture was holding them back when he first stepped into the role. #F1 #Formula1 #McLaren #mclarenf1 #McLarenRacing #ZakBrown #CEO #leadership #AbuDhabi #abudhabigp #racing @McLaren

♬ original sound – Fortune Magazine

McLaren CEO Zak Brown discusses the critical role of team culture in achieving success, reflecting on the initial challenges and subsequent turnaround under his leadership. His insights underscore that a winning mentality extends far beyond technical prowess, deeply influencing a team’s performance in the hyper-competitive world of Formula 1.

Signing off from the #AbuDhabiTest. 🫡

From a very happy @TPourchaire, @ZhouGuanyu24 and the whole team, thank you for all your support this season! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LwPjg9AXbT

— Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber (@stakef1team_ks) November 28, 2023

The post-season Abu Dhabi test provided a crucial opportunity for teams like Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber to gather data and evaluate their machinery and drivers ahead of the next season. The positive sentiment from Théo Pourchaire and Zhou Guanyu, shared by the team, highlights the valuable work done and the importance of these testing sessions for development and future planning.

106 laps later 👏 Recapping a busy day in Abu Dhabi with Fred Vesti. Yet more valuable experience to take back to the Simulator in Brackley 👊 pic.twitter.com/LYZ4tCwpLS

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) November 28, 2023

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team shared an update from Fred Vesti’s extensive running during the Abu Dhabi test. Logging 106 laps, Vesti’s performance illustrates the rigorous nature of F1 testing, where every lap provides vital data for simulation and car development. Such experience is invaluable for young drivers aspiring to F1 and for teams optimizing their future performance.

123 laps for @ShwartzmanRob in the post-season test, that’s more than two race distances! 👊 👏 #F1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/Jzpn9w2V2m

— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) November 28, 2023

Robert Shwartzman’s impressive 123 laps for Scuderia Ferrari HP during the post-season test signify a hugely productive day, accumulating more than two Grand Prix race distances. This extensive running is crucial for both the driver, gaining vital F1 experience, and for Ferrari, thoroughly testing new components and gathering comprehensive data to inform their 2024 car design and strategy.

These IndyCar racers train at a gym specifically for motorsports pic.twitter.com/sKrESvllvd

— Business Insider (@BusinessInsider) November 28, 2023

Business Insider highlighted the specialized training regimes of IndyCar racers, showcasing a gym tailored exclusively for motorsports athletes. This emphasizes the extreme physical demands of single-seater racing and the dedicated, rigorous conditioning required to endure high G-forces, maintain focus, and perform at peak levels for extended periods. It illustrates that success in motorsport is as much about physical prowess as it is about driving skill.

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• Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory

Comment of the Day: Alex Albon’s Resurgence and Future Prospects

Alex Albon has emphatically declared 2023 as his “strongest year in F1,” a testament to his remarkable performance in single-handedly accumulating enough points to secure a commendable seventh place for Williams in the constructors’ standings. This achievement is particularly significant given the team’s historical struggles and limited resources, highlighting Albon’s exceptional ability to extract maximum performance from the car.

Albon’s journey in Formula 1 has been one of resilience and redemption. His previous stint at a top team, Red Bull Racing, did not unfold as planned, culminating in his departure at the end of his first full season. However, since his move to Williams, he has meticulously rebuilt his reputation, showcasing himself as a reliable and high-performing driver capable of consistently delivering points. His maturity, strategic acumen, and raw pace have made him the undisputed leader of the Williams team, consistently outperforming expectations and demonstrating a profound understanding of race management and car setup. This impressive turnaround has undoubtedly elevated his standing within the paddock, placing him firmly back on the radar of rival teams for potential future opportunities.

His stock has risen massively this season. Relentless performances on every Saturday to push the car as high up the grid as possible, and some great defensive drives on Sunday to bring home the points. If he manages a similar performance next season, there’s no doubt that he’ll be on the radar of the top three teams for 2025 and beyond.
Todfod

Todfod’s comment perfectly encapsulates the prevailing sentiment around Albon’s 2023 campaign. His ability to consistently extract qualifying performance, often placing the Williams far higher on the grid than its natural pace would suggest, has been a standout feature. Furthermore, his “great defensive drives” on Sundays, meticulously fending off faster cars with superior strategy and race craft, have been crucial in converting strong grid positions into valuable championship points. This combination of speed, consistency, and race intelligence makes him an incredibly attractive asset. Should Albon maintain this exceptional level of performance in the upcoming season, there is indeed “no doubt” that he will be a prime candidate for a seat at one of the top three Formula 1 teams from 2025 onwards, solidifying his return to the sport’s elite.

Happy Birthday to Motorsport Enthusiasts!

A very happy birthday goes out to Alex White, Crispin, Djdaveyp85, Prisoner Monkeys, Wes, Villalon, and Putti Spiii! We hope you have a fantastic day filled with celebration and all things motorsport.

On This Day in Motorsport History

• Exactly 30 years ago today, the legendary McLaren Formula 1 team conducted a significant test session at a wet Silverstone circuit, evaluating the talents of four distinct drivers: Philippe Alliot, Yannick Dalmas, Oliver Gavin, and Gareth Rees. This kind of multi-driver assessment in challenging conditions was crucial for talent scouting and development within F1 during that era, reflecting McLaren’s continuous pursuit of excellence and future champions.