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Ben Sulayem Prepares for Bahrain GP Amid Concorde Agreement Speculation
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is set to make his debut at the F1 season during the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix. His attendance comes at a pivotal moment, as discussions surrounding the Concorde Agreement are intensifying.
Throughout the initial races of the season, Ben Sulayem refrained from attending, as he observed the holy month of Ramadan. During this period, Formula 1 teams finalized a commercial agreement with their rights holders, Liberty Media.
The Concorde Agreement, a crucial tri-party contract, encompasses terms between the teams, Liberty Media, and the FIA, outlining regulations, governance structures, and the distribution of prize money. This framework is integral for the organization and administration of grand prix racing, as it also details commercial arrangements.
As the current Concorde Agreement is set to expire at the end of the year, the teams—including Cadillac, which plans to join the grid in 2026—have reached an accord with Liberty Media. The announcement confirmed that all teams signed the 2026 Concorde Commercial Agreement, ensuring the sport’s long-term financial stability.
According to a statement from Formula 1, “Formula 1 can confirm that all teams have signed the 2026 Concorde Commercial Agreement, which secures the long-term economic strength of the sport. Formula 1 has never been in a stronger position and all stakeholders have seen positive benefits and significant growth. We thank all the teams for their engagement during this process to reach the best outcome for the sport.”
Sources within the paddock suggest that the FIA may have been caught off guard by the rapid progression of this agreement. Observers speculate that Ben Sulayem might have expected teams to negotiate for a more advantageous financial deal. In response, the FIA has indicated that its involvement in the agreement is “nearing completion,” although it has yet to formally endorse the terms.
This situation places Ben Sulayem under additional scrutiny, as he is now tasked with clarifying the FIA’s delay in finalizing the agreement. He has previously expressed the desire for a larger financial share for the organization, citing the rising costs associated with overseeing F1 races, particularly as the calendar expands to 24 races. Ben Sulayem is also looking to invest in training for marshals and expanding the pool of stewards.
However, a potential standoff looms if Ben Sulayem insists on better financial terms, which could lead to tension with Liberty Media and the teams that are eager to finalize the agreement.
The dynamics between F1 and the FIA have been further complicated by recent developments, notably a legal threat from David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK. In a public letter, Richards raised concerns regarding the FIA’s governance under Ben Sulayem, accusing him of violating the organization’s statutes and failing to uphold commitments made during his election campaign. He emphasized the need for transparency, particularly after being requested to sign a non-disclosure agreement for a recent meeting, which he labeled a “gagging order.”
In response to these concerns, the FIA released a letter from General Manager Alberto Villarreal on April 9. While the letter acknowledged Richards’ issues, it did not provide substantial solutions, leading Richards to describe the response as dismissive of serious matters.
Although F1 and Liberty Media have refrained from engaging in the dispute, Richards’ grievances contribute to the growing examination of Ben Sulayem’s leadership as he seeks re-election for a second term as FIA president.
As the Bahrain Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Ben Sulayem to navigate these challenging dynamics and define the future of Formula 1 governance.
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