FIA chief makes Max Verstappen feelings clear after punishment as he goes on the attack

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has fired shots at the British media, accusing them of 'convicting' him, but insisting they have 'made him stronger'. The FIA president has found himself under pressure following the controversial punishment of Max Verstappen in Singapore.

Heading into the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, Ben Sulayem conducted a controversial interview, in which he compared F1 drivers to "rappers" and suggested that they should tone down their use of foul language during radio communications.

This debate then escalated when Verstappen swore during an FIA press conference on media day. He was slapped with community service, prompting unanimous support from the rest of the grid, and a well-executed protest from the reigning world champion.

Ben Sulayem did not escape from the weekend with credit in the bank. The Emirati official was criticised directly by Lewis Hamilton, who accused him of giving comments with a "racial element" in the swearing debate. The saga has only served to undermine his authority further following a series of controversies.

But now the FIA chief has hit back. Speaking to Motorsport.com, he explained: "I respect Max because I'm a driver. I was a champion and I respect winners and champions. I see he had his share [of media stick], but let's talk about me. If you look at the British media and what they did to me... For God's sake, they convicted me.

"They didn't accuse me [of anything], but they keep on [going]. And do I care? No. Why? Because what are they after? They are after selling and getting more coverage for them. Of course, yes. But they have no power over me and over the FIA.

"With due respect to the British media or any other media, they don't have a vote. We are an independent, democratic federation. It's the world of membership that elected me. The power is with the General Assembly, not with them. And you know what? Can we just stop this nonsense and go back to business and do what is better for the sport? If you can?

"I'm asking. If they [the media] don't want to do that, it's up to them. But life goes on. You know what they did to me? They made me stronger. I'm more careful now and more wise. And I have the support. And if and when the members decide that it's time to change me as president, it's their call. At the end of the day, who put me there?

"It's the General Assembly, it's the members. I'm very, very clear with this. And if they don't like it, it's up to them. But I don't go back to anyone, I don't answer very much of you and I don't retaliate. Why? Because I don't have the time. I'm so busy answering what the members want and what motorsport wants."