In a rare show of public support, former F1 driver and current FIA commissioner Vitantonio Liuzzi has thrown his support behind embattled FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. As pressure mounts on Ben Sulayem's leadership, particularly with the withdrawal of key figures like commissioner Tim Mayer and F1 racing director Niels Wittich, Liuzzi called for calm and underlined the President's commitment to the sport .
During an intervention on the podcast The Inside LineLiuzzi addressed ongoing speculation surrounding Ben Sulayem's position and hinted at potential changes within the FIA hierarchy. “Obviously there's a lot of discussion about this position,” Liuzzi said. “I think the position may evolve in the future. But I am sure that the President is working closely with the teams to find the best solution for all of us.”
Balancing act between FIA and F1
The relationship between the FIA and Formula 1 has been a subject of debate, particularly as the sport grows in global importance. Liuzzi expressed optimism that discussions between Ben Sulayem and F1 bosses would lead to mutually beneficial results.
“Whatever the decision is, it will be good for both of us—for Formula 1 and the FIA,” he said. This measured defense underlines the delicate balance the FIA must maintain to keep all players aligned, especially as criticism mounts over inconsistent decisions on race day.
Consistency and Controversy in Stewarding
Liuzzi also addressed the perennial problem of inconsistency in stewarding, a point of contention that has inflamed fans and teams. Although he recognized the difficulty of keeping everyone happy, he defended the integrity of the stewarding team.
“It's a great group, and we work well together,” Liuzzi said. “Sometimes you can't make everyone happy… But at the end of the day, I think every race we watch is an incredible competition, an incredible spectacle, and that's good for the sport.”
Growing Danger: The Verstappen-Hamilton Effect
The Italian also highlighted the fierce rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in the 2021 season as a double-edged sword. While the battle provided one of the most thrilling seasons in recent memory, it also pushed the limits of safety.
“I believe that in 2021, Hamilton and Verstappen have raised the level of competition. It was perhaps one of the best seasons of the last 20 years. But they took it to a more dangerous level,” warned Liuzzi. He cited incidents at Monza and Budapest as examples where racing dangerously close to the limit could have led to serious consequences.
Liuzzi stressed the need to find a balance between intense racing and safety. “We want to allow them to run harder for the show, but we have to make sure it is done in a safe manner. We don't want to rely on luck; we want to be super safe for the good of the sport and the drivers.”
Future in the spotlight
Ben Sulayem's presidency has encountered turbulence, with critics questioning his ability to lead the FIA through the complexities of modern F1. Liuzzi's comments reflect the internal and external pressures the organization faces as it navigates its relationship with Formula 1 and addresses ongoing concerns over the governance, safety and fairness of the competition.
With murmurings of possible leadership changes and increased scrutiny of stewards' decisions, the FIA's ability to adapt and evolve will be crucial to maintaining the confidence of drivers, teams and fans.
