FIA president in SURPRISE Donald Trump election statement

F1 Off the Track

FIA president in SURPRISE Trump election statement

Donald Trump recently won the US election

Sam Cook Digital Journalist

Sports Journalist who has been covering motorsport since 2023

Friday 8 November 2024 21:00

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem didn't wait long to congratulate Donald Trump for his victory in this week's presidential election.

The former rally driver has been under significant pressure in 2024, with the Max Verstappen swearing punishment row spilling over more broadly with the rest of the drivers and to the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA).

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The GPDA criticised the sport's governing body for their treatment over the swearing row, and previous rows surrounding 'jewellery and underpants', in an official statement on their new Instagram page.

They reminded Ben Sulayem to "consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise."

Mohammed Ben Sulayem is the FIA president

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been involved in a swearing row with F1 drivers

Ben Sulayem congratulates Donald Trump

Now, in a move that may further infuriate F1 drivers who are not allowed to express their political opinions, Ben Sulayem has taken to his Instagram page to congratulate Trump on his victory.

The 62-year-old called for the US to continue their 'pioneering' role within the automotive and motorsport industries.

In the post, Ben Sulayem said: "Congratulations to @realdonaldtrump on a hard fought campaign.

"The U.S. has always been a pioneer in the automotive industry, and continues to be a key area of growth for motor sport.

"I look forward to seeing the President’s initiatives in these spaces, and working alongside him to deliver a strong future in American and global motor sport and mobility."

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A post shared by Mohammed Ben Sulayem (@mohammed.ben.sulayem)

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Sam Cook - Digital Journalist

Sam Cook is a talented young sports journalist and social media professional who now specialises in Formula 1, having previously worked as a football journalist and a local news reporter for a variety of different brands.

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Max Verstappen Mercedes FIA Donald Trump Mohammed Ben Sulayem