FIA boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem on F1 China expansion, return of V8s and why Abu Dhabi and Qatar GPs are safe
Long before he took charge of world motorsport, Mohammed Ben Sulayem was the man to beat on the desert stages of the Middle East. The Emirati won 14 Middle East Rally titles, helped bring Formula One to Yas Marina Circuit in 2009, and became the first non-European to lead the FIA in 2021. In an exclusive interview with The National , Ben Sulayem confirmed that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will…
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the FIA, spoke with The National about Formula One expansion plans, the potential return of V8 engines, and the safety of upcoming races in the Middle East.
Regarding the 2027 Dakar Rally, Ben Sulayem assured that the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will continue as scheduled, despite the event being moved out of Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that the FIA's top priority is the safety and security of everyone involved in the championships, and they are continuously monitoring the situation in the region.
Ben Sulayem also revealed the potential benefits of returning to V8 engines, which could make the cars approximately 80kg lighter and reduce costs by at least half. This change would not only enhance performance but also provide a more exciting experience for both drivers and fans.
When asked about the challenges faced with the 2026 regulations, Ben Sulayem acknowledged that balancing energy management with the racing itself has been a significant hurdle. He stated that the FIA is open to making adjustments based on the experiences and feedback from the first races.
The Emirati also spoke about the introduction of Cadillac in F1's 2026 season and the potential addition of a 12th team from China. Furthermore, he expressed his support for F1's return to Africa, highlighting the importance of expanding the sport's reach. As Ben Sulayem approaches 65 years old, he remains committed to the future of Formula One and the positive impact it has on the global motorsport community.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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