FIA President Faces Backlash Over Dismissal of Key Formula 1 Officials

Mohammed Ben Sulayem's recent firings of senior personnel draw criticism for alleged power consolidation and lack of transparency.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has overseen the dismissal of multiple senior officials, including veteran steward Tim Mayer, Formula 2 deputy race director Janette Tan, and former F1 race director Niels Wittich.
Tim Mayer, who served as a steward for 15 years, criticized the FIA for informing him of his dismissal via text message and accused Sulayem of retaliating over a past appeal decision.
The dismissals have raised concerns about management practices, with Mayer and others alleging a lack of transparency and professionalism in handling personnel changes.
Drivers, including George Russell, have expressed surprise and called for clearer communication from the FIA regarding the sudden personnel changes.
Sulayem's tenure has been marked by controversy, with critics accusing him of interfering in steward decisions and consolidating power within Formula 1's governance structure.