Günther Steiner, former director of the Haas F1 team, spoke about his relationship with Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA. The latter took over from Jean Todt a little over three years ago and has often been at the heart of controversies.
The former Haas team principal gave an insight into Ben Sulayem's personality, but also his weaknesses.
“I had a good relationship with Jean, and a lot of respect for him and what he accomplished in his life. He won a lot of championships and was a good president of the FIA, which is not easy to do,” said Gunther Steiner.
« I have known Mohammed for a long time. He comes from rallying and I come from rallying. I spent a lot of time with him. As a person, I have always appreciated Mohammed. He's a good character. As president? Sometimes he gets too involved in sports. He's not doing himself any favors by doing this. You need people who lead the organization, because it is a heavy task to be president of a federation like the FIA. If you get involved in day-to-day management, I don't think you have the time to do it at the level where it needs to be done.”
“He should be well looked after. He gets involved and is sometimes criticized. In this position, you have to get used to being criticized. It's not always about how good you are. If you are praised, you are always criticized. When you're a public figure, that's part of the game. You can't be everyone's friend. You can’t be everyone’s friend.”
The FIA doesn't want to hear any more swearing in F1
In three years in office, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been talked about for having fought against F1 drivers who wore jewelry or against drivers who swore during press conferences.
Steiner commented on the ban on swearing: “ Why bring this to the table now? We are discussing something that is not worth discussing. Max made a comment about his car. Is it good? No. Is this bad? No. The more you talk about it, the more controversy it creates.”
« If you don't want this to happen? At a pilots meeting, say, 'Guys, help me, can we tone down the swearing please?' It's difficult for a driver sitting in a car going 360 km/h and being cut off by another. You say 'f***** idiot' but you don't mean it. The TV is beeping anyway!”
« We are emotional people. This is what defines sport. We need emotions in sport. Otherwise, why would it be interesting? We overdid it. Did someone use the “F” word? Okay, don't use it anymore and move on…”, concluded the former team director.
