F1 boss Ben Sulayem may go for six sprints

FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem has revealed he may yet support an increase from three to six sprint races next season, but that he will not be bullied into doing so. He was previously accused by opponents of being ‘greedy’ in demanding more money — which he denies — in return for running the extra events. The Commission comprises the governing FIA, commercial rights holders Formula One Group, and the 10 teams — the three wings of the sport. Each has 10 votes, and a super majority of 26 is required to adopt the additional sprints.

Although the FIA blocked the plan at the meeting, Ben Sulayem said: ‘I support the races if it is the right thing to do. This is for 2023, not this season. Our house isn’t on fire. ‘We have what is called a democracy: Formula One (Group) have a vote, the teams have a vote, I have a vote. If you then say I can’t abstain or take time to study the proposals then you are not allowing me the freedom of democracy.’ He said he did not know who accused him of ‘greed’ in a leak to the press, but insisted: ‘I did not ask for more money but if I had I would have wanted to use it in the right way — to invest in the proper regulation of the sport.’