“They Only Get Rubbish Because This Dude Keeps Opening His Mouth With Unhinged or Ridiculous Stuff”: Former Red Bull Employee Calls Out FIA President

In recent years, the relationship between the governing bodies of motorsport and teams within the highest levels of racing has often come under scrutiny. However, a recent development has brought the tensions between Formula 1 teams and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) to the forefront once again. In a scathing critique, a former Red Bull Racing employee has openly criticized FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, accusing him of making outlandish statements that undermine the integrity of the sport and its regulations.

 

The Growing Rift

 

The criticism came following a series of contentious public statements and decisions by the FIA, particularly in the aftermath of the 2021 season and the highly dramatic conclusion of the World Championship battle between Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. The fallout from that season has led to strained relationships between Formula 1 teams and the FIA, with many feeling that the governing body has become increasingly unpredictable in its decisions and public stance.

 

In a damning statement, the former Red Bull employee, who wished to remain anonymous, took aim at FIA President Ben Sulayem, stating: “They only get rubbish because this dude keeps opening his mouth with unhinged or ridiculous stuff.” This remark encapsulates a growing frustration within the sport about what many perceive as inconsistent or ill-considered comments and rulings by the FIA leadership.

 

A History of Controversial Statements

 

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who took over as FIA President in late 2021, has faced increasing criticism for his handling of key issues within Formula 1. Since assuming the role, he has been outspoken on a range of topics, from technical regulations to the sport’s financial framework. Some of his most divisive comments have centered around the cost cap, the governance of the sport, and the growing influence of Formula 1’s commercial interests under Liberty Media.

 

The most recent controversy stems from Ben Sulayem’s remarks on the potential entry of new teams into Formula 1. In particular, his support for Andretti Global’s bid to join the grid has caused friction with some existing teams, who argue that the addition of more competitors could dilute the sport’s value and stretch resources too thin. Several team principals, including Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff, have publicly questioned the economic and competitive viability of expanding the grid under current conditions. The FIA president’s persistent advocacy for new entries, despite team objections, has further deepened divisions between the governing body and the teams.

 

The former Red Bull employee’s comments reflect a broader sentiment that Ben Sulayem’s public statements often create unnecessary controversy, stirring debate without considering the impact on the teams or the sport’s long-term stability. “It’s not about expansion or regulations themselves,” the former insider continued, “It’s about him creating noise that unsettles everyone — whether it’s drivers, teams, or even fans. He keeps opening his mouth without thinking.”

 

FIA’s Inconsistent Governance

 

Another significant point of contention in Ben Sulayem’s tenure has been the perceived inconsistency in rule enforcement. This criticism goes beyond just the Red Bull camp, with other teams also expressing dissatisfaction with how the FIA interprets and applies its regulations. The 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi, where race director Michael Masi’s controversial decision to allow only some lapped cars to un-lap themselves led to Verstappen’s dramatic last-lap pass on Hamilton, was perhaps the most glaring example of inconsistency. While Masi was later removed from his position, the ripple effects of that decision continue to influence the FIA’s credibility.

 

In 2022 and 2023, further controversies emerged regarding track limits, penalties, and the deployment of the safety car. The former Red Bull employee hinted that many within the sport feel the FIA under Ben Sulayem has failed to create a consistent framework for enforcing the rules, leaving teams in the dark about what to expect from race to race. “One weekend, you’ll get penalized for something trivial, and the next, they’ll let much worse stuff slide. It’s impossible to plan for,” they remarked.

 

The Andretti Controversy

 

Ben Sulayem’s vocal support for the inclusion of Andretti Global has become a flashpoint in the debate about the future of Formula 1’s structure. Michael Andretti, the son of 1978 F1 World Champion Mario Andretti, has long campaigned to bring an American team to the grid, with backing from General Motors’ Cadillac brand. Despite Andretti’s impressive credentials and substantial financial backing, many existing teams have voiced concerns over how a new entrant would affect the current economic ecosystem of the sport, which operates under a tightly controlled budget cap and revenue-sharing model.

 

Ben Sulayem, however, has been an outspoken advocate for Andretti’s bid, claiming that expanding the grid would bring fresh energy to the sport, particularly with the rapidly growing interest in Formula 1 in the United States. “We need new teams. The sport needs new blood,” he said in a recent interview, arguing that Andretti’s inclusion would boost the sport’s appeal and marketability. But many team principals have pushed back, arguing that the current financial structure barely supports the existing 10 teams.

 

The anonymous former Red Bull employee suggested that Ben Sulayem’s handling of the Andretti situation has only exacerbated tensions. “It’s not just about Andretti,” they said. “It’s about how he’s going about it. Instead of working with the teams, he’s just saying whatever comes to his mind, and it’s causing chaos.”

 

What Lies Ahead for Ben Sulayem and the FIA?

 

As Formula 1 heads into an exciting future, with the sport continuing to grow its global fanbase and the 2026 regulations on the horizon, the role of the FIA and its president remains critical. However, Ben Sulayem’s leadership has drawn increasing scrutiny from within the paddock, and the former Red Bull employee’s scathing comments may reflect wider frustrations with how the governing body is handling the sport’s rapid evolution.

 

While the FIA has made strides in modernizing the sport and implementing more sustainable technologies, its governance and public relations issues threaten to undermine these achievements. The relationship between the teams and the governing body is delicate, and if the current climate of discontent persists, it could lead to further clashes in the coming seasons.

 

The final word from the former Red Bull insider paints a grim picture of the current situation: “The FIA should be leading with a clear vision, but instead, it feels like we’re just reacting to one ridiculous statement after another. We need someone who listens and works with us, not someone who makes headlines for all the wrong reasons.”

 

As the dust continues to settle on this latest criticism of Ben Sulayem, one thing remains certain: the FIA president will need to tread carefully if he is to maintain the trust of the teams, drivers, and fans as Formula 1 moves into its next era.