Jun.28 (GMM) Former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has thrown his support behind controversial FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, insisting the Emirati is doing “a fantastic job”.
Ben Sulayem has faced mounting criticism in recent months, most recently after FIA members voted to remove term limits for office bearers, potentially allowing him to remain president beyond the previous 12-year maximum.
But Ecclestone, who worked closely with former FIA presidents Jean-Marie Balestre, Max Mosley and Jean Todt, sees little to criticise.
“I am trying to think of something he did wrong,” the 95-year-old said. “It is not an easy task to do what he does, and I think he is trying to make everything fairer and more modern.
“There are, however, a few things I hope he will do in the future.”
Chief among them is Ben Sulayem’s push to bring naturally aspirated engines back to Formula 1. A new rumour emerging in the Austrian GP paddock is that F1 may also revive mid-race refuelling, to help reduce the weight of the cars.
“A three-litre engine,” Ecclestone said when asked what he would like to see return.
“It doesn’t matter to me whether it’s a V8, a V10, or a V12. I think everyone would be happy with that. That would be the right choice.
“Max (Verstappen) was also right with his criticism.”
Ecclestone also praised the FIA’s financial turnaround under Ben Sulayem’s leadership.
“He had a difficult task,” he said.
“He inherited matters that he had not initiated himself and was therefore given little room for manoeuvre. He then figured out what worked and what didn’t, and I think he did a fantastic job.
“Financially speaking, he is bringing the FIA back to the position they should have been in much earlier. There is no reason why it would be wrong for the FIA to make money.
“He is not doing this for personal gain – he is simply trying to do what is best for the sport.”
