The Formula 1 world is in uproar after a series of controversial decisions made by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem have sparked fierce backlash from drivers, teams, and fans alike. The chaos began following several penalties and rule changes that have thrown the sport into disarray, and now the pressure is mounting on Ben Sulayem to address the growing crisis.

Furious Reactions from Drivers

The drama started when Max Verstappen, one of F1’s biggest stars, was hit with a five-second penalty during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a decision that many felt was unjustified. Verstappen, who had been on track for a dominant win, voiced his frustration immediately after the race, stating:

“It’s just ridiculous. I’ve had enough of these decisions. They’re ruining the sport. People can’t handle the truth, and it’s getting worse every weekend.”

This was just the tip of the iceberg, as Lewis Hamilton and other drivers voiced their own frustrations over the FIA’s inconsistent rulings throughout the season. Hamilton, while not directly criticizing Ben Sulayem, stated:

“It’s hard to make sense of what’s happening. We need consistency. I’m all for fairness, but the rules have to be clear and enforced without bias.”

The Fallout from FIA’s Decisions

The FIA’s controversial decisions didn’t stop at penalties. There were several rule changes introduced without proper consultation with the teams and drivers, leaving many feeling blindsided and alienated. The latest move involved a technical directive that altered the setup of the cars mid-season, causing confusion and frustration within the paddock.

Daniel Ricciardo expressed his disbelief:

“There’s a lot of chaos right now. It’s like they’re making decisions on the fly. It’s not helping us on the track, and it’s not helping the fans.”

Fans and Teams Are Demanding Accountability

As the controversy escalates, fans and teams alike are demanding that Mohammed Ben Sulayem be held accountable for the mess that’s unfolding. Social media is flooded with angry comments from fans calling for his resignation, accusing him of mishandling the sport. In fact, some are even calling this the worst governance of F1 in decades.

One tweet from an F1 fan read:

“F1 is supposed to be the pinnacle of motorsport, but with all these rule changes, penalties, and confusion, it’s turning into a circus. Ben Sulayem needs to go. We want a fair sport!”

A Turning Point for F1

The ongoing chaos could very well shape the future of Formula 1, as teams and drivers weigh their options on whether they can continue under the current leadership. With rumors swirling that a few top teams are considering taking legal action against the FIA for the inconsistent rulings, the sport is at a crossroads.

A potential leadership change could be on the horizon if Ben Sulayem doesn’t act quickly to restore order and credibility to the sport. For now, it’s unclear how the FIA will respond to the growing calls for change, but one thing is certain — F1 fans and drivers are fed up with the current state of affairs.

What’s Next?

F1’s governing body is now under intense scrutiny, with talks of a high-level meeting between team principals, drivers, and the FIA scheduled for the next Grand Prix. The future of Formula 1’s leadership could be determined by how the FIA responds to this crisis. Will Ben Sulayem weather the storm, or will Formula 1’s greatest champions have to find a new way forward without the current president at the helm?

Stay tuned, as the situation continues to unfold, and the fate of F1’s governance hangs in the balance.