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Bernie Ecclestone Vigorously Defends FIA President: ‘He’s Truly Selfless’
Highlights
- Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised for fair FIA leadership since 2021
- Ben Sulayem secured a second FIA term starting 2025
- FIA reported €6.7 million operating profit in 2025, highest in decade
- FIA revenue rose 75% since 2021, reversing €24 million loss
- Ben Sulayem advocates returning to three-litre engines in Formula 1
- Ecclestone says Ben Sulayem leads without personal financial gain
Bernie Ecclestone defends FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, saying his leadership since 2021 pursues fairness and stability as scrutiny intensifies before the Austrian Grand Prix.
Ben Sulayem, who succeeded Jean Todt, has secured a second term from 2025, reflecting continued backing from FIA member clubs amid a demanding governance cycle.
Ecclestone argues Ben Sulayem inherited a complex federation and had to learn fast, rather than arrive with a fixed corporate playbook.
The former F1 CEO highlights financial recovery, noting a 2025 operating profit of €6.7 million, up 43% year on year, as detailed in the FIA’s latest accounts.
FIA posts €6.7 million operating profit in 2025, its best result in a decade.
Total revenue reaches €191.7 million in 2025, a 75% rise since 2021, reversing that year’s €24 million operating loss and strengthening long‑term funding capacity.
FIA revenue is up 75% since 2021, overturning a €24 million loss.
On competitive direction, Ecclestone backs Ben Sulayem’s push to revisit engine philosophy, aligning with recent engine ruling discussions and advocating a return to three‑litre V8, V10, or V12 units.
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Ben Sulayem wants F1 to revisit three‑litre engines to lift spectacle and engagement.
He frames the idea as a route to greater spectacle and broader satisfaction, though it would test manufacturers invested in 2026 hybrid objectives.
The debate sits alongside work on cost control, sustainability, and officiating, with continuing focus on changes to F1 rules that will shape the next cycle.
Ecclestone also stresses Ben Sulayem’s motivations are sporting, not financial, emphasising the president’s stance on remuneration and priorities.
Ecclestone: “He doesn’t take any money; he’s not in there for himself financially.”
That approach, he argues, supports the FIA’s global club network and protects resources for safety, development, and regulatory programmes.
Ecclestone’s assessment points to steady stewardship amid political noise. The decisive test remains effective policy delivery and sustained buy‑in from teams and manufacturers.
Visual Summary
Ben Sulayem’s Steady Hand Guides FIA to Record Highs
+43%
Operating Profit Growth (2024→2025)
€191.7M
Total Revenue in 2025
⚖️
Focus: Fairness
Not for personal profit
Not for personal profit
New Engine Era:
Push for power & excitement ?
“
He doesn’t take any money, he’s not in there for himself financially.
— Bernie Ecclestone
⬆️ FIA’s evolution continues | 2026 and beyond
Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.
