FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has made headlines with his early arrival in Las Vegas for the upcoming Grand Prix, a move highlighting both his commitment to the event and his recently controversial stance.
Arriving nearly two weeks before the race, Ben Sulayem has been sharing glimpses of his track inspections and meetings with key figures, such as Las Vegas Grand Prix CEO Renee Wilm and project manager Terry Miller.
This proactive approach signals his readiness to embrace the American F1 market, which has been growing rapidly with events like the Miami GP, the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, and now Las Vegas. The U.S. is the only country to host three races in one season, underscoring F1’s push to captivate American fans.
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In addition to his on-the-ground involvement, Ben Sulayem has publicly voiced his support for Donald Trump following the former president’s recent electoral success.
The FIA President took to social media to congratulate Trump, citing his impact on the automotive and motorsport industries, and expressed eagerness to see how his administration might further enhance these fields. His praise for Trump, however, has added a new layer of complexity to his already scrutinized role.
Earlier this year, the FIA investigated claims that Ben Sulayem had delayed the approval of the Las Vegas track. Though he was ultimately cleared of any interference, the allegations underscored the intense pressures and expectations surrounding his leadership
Ben Sulayem’s support for the Las Vegas GP has helped the event overcome early roadblocks, and this year’s race will be critical as it seeks to gain traction among American audiences.
Last year’s race saw Charles Leclerc secure pole position before Max Verstappen claimed victory, bringing excitement to the new venue but sparking mixed reactions among drivers. Verstappen, for instance, previously criticized the choice of Las Vegas as a venue, feeling it lacks the “emotion” of more traditional circuits.
As the Grand Prix approaches, the ongoing dynamics between F1’s American expansion, Ben Sulayem’s leadership, and the evolving motorsport landscape continue to capture the spotlight.