Fuss again in Formula 1: The FIA ​​is investigating whether the president influenced the result in favor of Alonso

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) is investigating whether its president Mohammed bin Sulayem influenced the results of last year's Formula 1 Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia. Fernando Alonso's 10-second penalty was reportedly overturned on the recommendation of the FIA ​​president. This was reported by the British public broadcaster BBC.

Reconstructing the facts: During the 2023 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso received a ten-second penalty.

The former Spanish world champion got this because his team tampered with his Aston Martin during an earlier 5-second penalty. This is not allowed according to FIA law, which is why he was punished again.

Now a whistleblower is reporting to the FIA ​​that Ben Sulayem – chairman of the All People's Board of Directors – has withdrawn that additional penalty. As a result, Alonso did not finish fourth, but rather took the podium alongside Verstappen and Perez (Red Bull).

The BBC received confirmation of the rumor and was able to review the report submitted by the FIA ​​to the Ethics Committee.

“The whistleblower’s allegation is that Bin Sulayem contacted Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the FIA ​​vice-president who has decision-making powers in Grand Prix racing, and made it clear that Alonso’s sanction should be withdrawn.”

The ethics committee's report is expected to be issued within four to six weeks. Bin Sulayem and the International Automobile Federation declined to comment