FIA President denies involvement in stewards' firings amid controversy
- Mohammed Ben Sulayem denied ordering the dismissals of three race stewards amidst criticism.
- The firings included key officials before critical races, causing confusion among drivers.
- Ben Sulayem emphasized his role is limited in personnel decisions while asserting the FIA's independence.
In Qatar, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of Formula 1's governing body, addressed the recent firings of key race officials, including race director Niels Wittich. The dismissals occurred just ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, raising eyebrows among drivers who sought consistency and transparency in stewarding decisions throughout the season. The controversy has intensified due to ongoing driver complaints about the enforcement of rules, particularly regarding cursing and other conduct standards. Ben Sulayem firmly stated that he had no part in these personnel decisions and suggested that the heads of departments were responsible for making such changes. This statement comes amidst heightened scrutiny from the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) advocating for clearer communication and respect from the FIA. After the dismissals, drivers expressed their confusion, demanding clarity on the reasoning behind officials' removals, further complicating an already strained relationship between drivers and the governing body. Ben Sulayem emphasized the importance of empowering the heads of departments to make judgment calls and sought to remind stakeholders that the rules have been in place long before his tenure. He also conveyed that the FIA has no obligation to consult with drivers or teams regarding internal personnel changes, leaving many concerned about the stability and transparency of stewarding in the sport.