Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), has once again attracted attention with a controversial decision ahead of the December 2025 presidential election. He sacked Ben Cussons, the British representative in the FIA Senate, without giving any explanation, the BBC reports. The sudden departure, which came just before the British Grand Prix, has fueled speculation about Ben Sulayem’s attempts to consolidate his power amid growing internal chaos within the FIA. The replacement of Cussons with Anar Alakbarov, a known ally of Ben Sulayem, has further fueled criticism of his leadership style.
The FIA Senate plays a crucial role in the financial oversight and governance of the motorsport governing body, which regulates Formula 1 among other things. Cussons, vice-president of the Royal Automobile Club, served in the Senate for three and a half years and was an early backer of Ben Sulayem during his 2021 election campaign. Along with David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK, he backed Ben Sulayem’s promises of transparency and reform. However, both began to question Ben Sulayem’s handling of the matter after it emerged he may have abused his presidential powers. Cussons’ resignation follows a series of departures of prominent figures within the FIA, including former vice-president Robert Reid, steward Tim Mayer, and other senior officials such as Natalie Robyn and Niels Wittich.
The conflict between Cussons and Ben Sulayem appears to revolve around a stricter non-disclosure agreement that the president wanted to impose on members of the Senate. Cussons, like Richards, opposed this, believing it would undermine transparency and good governance. “I received a letter from the president announcing my succession, without giving any reason or time,” Cussons told the BBC. “I have had no conflict with him, as far as I know. I have asked for clarification, but I am waiting for an answer.” His replacement by Alakbarov, an Azerbaijani ally of Ben Sulayem, is seen by critics as a strategic move to install loyalists ahead of the upcoming elections.
The FIA’s resignations, which have been ongoing for the past year and a half to two years, have led to accusations of a “reign of terror” under Ben Sulayem’s leadership, as voiced by presidential candidate Tim Mayer. Mayer, who was sacked as steward in November 2024, criticised Ben Sulayem for creating a toxic work environment and failing to deliver on promises of transparency. On X, fans and insiders expressed their frustration, with posts including: “Ben Sulayem keeps firing anyone who contradicts him,” referring to the replacement of Cussons with Alakbarov. Others praised Cussons’ commitment to good governance, with one user writing: “Cussons stood for transparency, something the FIA now lacks.”
Ben Sulayem’s recent moves, including changes to the FIA statutes that give him greater influence over the Senate, are seen as attempts to strengthen his position ahead of the elections. In June 2025, the General Assembly in Macau voted in favor of these controversial changes, despite criticism from figures such as Richards, who warned of an “erosion of accountability.” However, Ben Sulayem enjoys the support of 36 member states, mainly from the Americas, Africa and Asia, giving him a strong position. Yet chaos within the FIA continues to grow, with resignations and resignations pointing to internal unrest.
The Formula 1 community is following developments closely, especially since Ben Sulayem’s decisions have a direct impact on the sport. His confrontations with drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, over issues such as jewellery and swearing, have already damaged his reputation. With Mayer posing a serious challenge for his re-election, Ben Sulayem is under pressure to refute the accusations of abuse of power and lack of transparency. Cussons’ resignation, without clear justification, reinforces the image of a president who systematically eliminates critics.
As the FIA prepares for a crucial election in Tashkent, the question of why Ben Sulayem has failed to provide reasons for the internal unrest remains unanswered. The replacement of Cussons with a loyal ally suggests that political maneuvering is taking precedence over administrative stability. Fans and stakeholders alike are hoping for an FIA return to its core values of honesty and openness, but for now Ben Sulayem’s leadership appears to be more divisive than unifying.
