Twenty-nine member clubs of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) from the MENA region have expressed their support for the re-election of Mohammed ben Sulayem as president of the Formula One governing body. In a joint letter, the clubs highlighted that his leadership has led to significant reforms in mobility and motorsport, characterized by improvements in transparency, governance, sustainability, and inclusivity.

The clubs conveyed their backing for a second term, stating that Ben Sulayem’s vision has bridged gaps and inspired unity, enabling regions like theirs to contribute more significantly to the global FIA mission. They emphasized a sense of equality among FIA members, regardless of their size or location, and expressed pride in supporting a regional leader who has demonstrated integrity, innovation, and courage in fostering positive change on an international scale.

Notable signatories of the letter included Kuwait’s Essa Al Failakawi, MENA FIA Vice President Mobility, and Bahrain’s Abdulla bin Issa Al Khalifa, FIA Vice President for Sport in the MENA region. This endorsement follows a strong show of support from 36 member clubs across the Americas. As the election approaches, scheduled for December 12 in Uzbekistan, Ben Sulayem is positioned favorably against his main challenger, Carlos Sainz, a former F1 driver and father of current Williams driver Sainz Jr.

In response to the support, Ben Sulayem expressed gratitude to the leaders from the Middle East and Africa, noting that their backing is particularly meaningful due to his deep connection to the region. He acknowledged the ongoing efforts of clubs in sport and mobility, which reflect the core values of the FIA, and pledged to work together to strengthen and enhance the FIA’s impact moving forward.

In other news from the racing world, Oscar Piastri won the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, achieving a McLaren one-two finish alongside teammate Lando Norris. Piastri led the race from pole position, beating Norris by 2.471 seconds, marking his fifth victory in nine races this season and expanding his championship lead to 10 points.

During the race, Max Verstappen faced a significant setback, dropping from fifth to tenth place after a late collision with George Russell’s Mercedes. The race concluded with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc taking the third podium spot after overtaking Verstappen with six laps remaining. Following the race, Russell commented on Verstappen’s driving, likening the incidents to actions seen in simulator games rather than Formula One.

Former world champion Nico Rosberg criticized Verstappen’s actions, suggesting that he should have been black-flagged for what appeared to be intentional retaliation. Verstappen received three penalty points, bringing his total to 11 within a 12-month period, just one point shy of a one-race ban. Leclerc, meanwhile, remarked on the contact with Verstappen, stating that he tried to avoid serious consequences during their interaction on the track.