Formula 1 team bosses have backed the steps taken by the FIA Compliance Department to examine allegations made against the governing body’s president.
A report this week claimed a whistleblower accused Ben Sulayem of making efforts to overturn a post-race penalty given to Fernando Alonso at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 12 months ago. He is also alleged to have tried to obstruct the certification of the new Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
Speaking in an FIA press conference in Jeddah yesterday, Williams team principal James Vowles said the sport’s governing body is handling the claims correctly.
“It was something I found out when I read it, probably the same as everyone in this room,” he said. “But what I’m pleased to see is there is a process in place to review it.
“I think we should be judged not by the moment we’re in now, but in the future, once we look back at that. I think for the now, as far as I understand, it’s in review, which is the right thing.”
The FIA confirmed “the compliance officer has received a report detailing potential allegations involving certain members of its governing bodies,” without identifying those involved.
Alonso’s penalty was overturned after Aston Martin submitted a request for the decision to be reviewed. Its team principal Mike Krack said they see no need to reconsider that decision.
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“Twelve months ago here we were one of the involved parties,” he said. “I think it can be re-read in the stewards’ documents how the whole process was.
“We executed the right of review, we brought new evidence and the penalty was taken out. So I think from that point of view, for us, the whole matter is clear and closed.”
However George Russell, who lost third place in the race to Alonso when the penalty was cancelled, said on Wednesday there must be “total transparency” over the investigation.
The revelation is the latest in a series of controversies which have overshadowed the start of the new F1 season. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who last week was cleared of inappropriate behaviour following an internal investigation at Red Bull, said: “The one thing that I’ve seen and learned certainly from any investigation is that don’t pre-empt the facts.
“There needs to be an investigation and I’m sure the relevant parties, and again the process that they have within the statutes of the FIA will be followed, and all I would urge is don’t prejudge….
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