The Formula 1 world is ablaze with speculation and controversy as Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), faces mounting pressure that could lead to his dismissal. Recent developments have seen prominent F1 team principals and stakeholders openly criticize Ben Sulayem’s leadership, raising serious questions about his tenure at the helm of motorsport’s governing body. This dramatic escalation has sent shockwaves through the paddock, with insiders suggesting that his position is increasingly precarious.

Since taking office in December 2021, Ben Sulayem has been a polarizing figure. His presidency has been marked by a series of contentious decisions and governance controversies that have alienated key figures in the sport. The latest wave of criticism stems from his handling of several high-profile issues, including the enforcement of the F1 cost cap, driver conduct regulations, and internal FIA operations. Team principals, particularly McLaren’s Zak Brown and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff, have been vocal about their dissatisfaction, accusing Ben Sulayem of mismanagement and a lack of transparency.

One of the most significant points of contention is Ben Sulayem’s recent suggestion to potentially eliminate the F1 cost cap, a rule introduced in 2021 to level the playing field by limiting team spending. At the Miami Grand Prix, he expressed frustration over the administrative burden of enforcing the $140.4 million cap, stating, “It’s just giving the FIA a headache. So what’s the point of it?” This comment sparked outrage among team bosses who view the cost cap as essential for maintaining competitive balance. Brown, in particular, argued that scrapping it would favor wealthier teams, undermining the sport’s progress toward fairness.

Beyond the cost cap, Ben Sulayem’s crackdown on driver conduct, particularly his strict penalties for swearing, has drawn ire from drivers and teams alike. In 2025, new regulations imposed hefty fines and even race bans for misconduct, prompting backlash from stars like Max Verstappen and George Russell. Verstappen, who faced community service for swearing in a press conference, called the rules “ridiculous,” while Russell dismissed Ben Sulayem’s promises to revisit the guidelines as empty words. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association has also criticized the FIA for ignoring their concerns, further highlighting the disconnect between the governing body and its athletes.

Internal FIA turmoil has only deepened the crisis. The resignation of deputy president for sport Robert Reid in April 2025 was a significant blow, with Reid citing a “breakdown of governance standards” under Ben Sulayem’s leadership. Other senior figures, including former CEO Natalie Robyn and sporting director Steve Nielsen, have also departed, pointing to a lack of accountability and an increasingly authoritarian approach. The controversial rehiring of Shaila-Ann Rao, who previously accused Ben Sulayem of sexism and bullying, has added fuel to the fire, with critics questioning his judgment.

The paddock’s frustration is compounded by Ben Sulayem’s strained relationships with F1’s commercial stakeholders. Motorsport UK chairman David Richards, a vocal critic, has accused the president of concentrating power and eroding transparency, even threatening legal action over governance disputes. Posts on X reflect a growing sentiment among fans and insiders that Ben Sulayem’s leadership is untenable, with some calling for his immediate removal to preserve the sport’s integrity.

As the FIA presidential election looms in December 2025, Ben Sulayem faces a formidable challenge from Carlos Sainz Sr., a respected rally legend who has emerged as a potential candidate. Sainz’s candidacy is seen as a direct response to the governance crisis, with many viewing him as a figure of integrity capable of restoring trust. While Ben Sulayem is expected to seek a second term, his support within the FIA and the broader motorsport community appears to be waning.

The coming months will be critical for Ben Sulayem and the FIA. With F1’s global spotlight intensifying, the pressure to address these controversies is immense. Team principals, drivers, and fans alike are demanding leadership that prioritizes fairness, transparency, and the spirit of competition. Whether Ben Sulayem can weather this storm or succumb to the growing calls for his ousting remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the battle for the future of F1 governance has never been more heated.