List of All Articles with Tag 'f1'

Formula One’s newly crowned world champion Nico Rosberg announced his retirement from the sport on this day in 2016. Mercedes driver Rosberg had claimed his maiden title at the season-deciding race in Abu Dhabi just five days earlier – and then made the shock revelation at a press conference in Vienna ahead of the FIA’s official prize-giving awards ceremony. The German, 31, confirmed he took the final decision to walk away from the sport in the hours after his championship triumph. Rosberg began his grand prix career with Williams in 2006 and competed in more than 200 races. He joined Mercedes in 2010 and partnered compatriot Michael Schumacher, the seven-time champion, before Lewis Hamilton, his long-term rival, joined the team from McLaren in 2013. Hamilton beat Rosberg to the drivers’ championship in both 2014 and 2015, with the German finally ending his long-running losing streak by claiming the 2016 title at the Yas Marina Circuit. Following his shock revelation, Rosberg later posted a message on Facebook giving more details behind the decision. “Since 25 years in racing, it has been my dream, my ‘one thing’ to become Formula One World Champion,” he said. “Through the hard work, the pain, the sacrifices, this has been my target. And now I’ve made it. “I have climbed my mountain, I am on the peak, so this feels right. My strongest emotion right now is deep gratitude to everybody who supported me to make that dream happen. “I pushed like crazy in every area after the disappointments of the last two years, and they fuelled my motivation to levels I had never experienced before. “Of course that had an impact on the ones I love, too – it was a whole family effort of sacrifice, putting everything behind our target.” The German later returned to motorsport after establishing Rosberg X Racing to compete in the all-electric off-road racing series Extreme E, with the team winning both the 2021 constructors’ and drivers’ titles. Read More Lewis Hamilton cannot wait for season to end after qualifying 11th in Abu Dhabi George Russell fastest as rookies handed chance in first Abu Dhabi practice Class action lawsuit filed over farcical start to Las Vegas Grand Prix Williams confirm second driver for 2024 F1 season F1 Drive reveal bespoke karts with ‘DRS’ for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium track Max Verstappen reveals three favourite wins in 2023 title triumph

Williams have confirmed that American rookie Logan Sargeant will remain with the team next season. The British outfit’s move to retain Sargeant, 22, for a second campaign completes the 20-driver grid for 2024. Sargeant, who scored just one point during a difficult first season, will race alongside Alex Albon after the London-born Thai’s seat had already been confirmed. “I am thrilled to be continuing with Williams Racing for the 2024 season,” said Sargeant. “It has been an incredible journey with the team so far and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue developing as a driver within such a talented and dedicated group. “We have exciting plans for the future and I can’t wait to contribute to the team’s success in the coming year.” Sargeant claimed his maiden point in Formula One – the first American to score in the sport since Michael Andretti 30 years ago for McLaren – after Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were both disqualified from the United States Grand Prix in Austin in October. Albon finished the year with an impressive 27 points to help Williams land seventh in the constructors’ championship, the team’s best result for six seasons. “I am pleased to continue our journey with Logan into 2024,” said team principal James Vowles. “Logan has demonstrated immense skill whilst under the pressure of the world stage, making him a perfect fit for our team. “We have great confidence in his abilities and believe that together we can achieve even greater success in the upcoming season.” The Formula One season will start in Bahrain on March 2.

Williams have confirmed that Logan Sargeant has kept his seat for the 2024 F1 season. The American driver’s future at the team was in doubt after he finished bottom of all the active drivers in the 2023 standings, registering just one point in 22 races. But team boss James Vowles has put the speculation to bed and confirmed Sargeant’s spot as Alex Albon’s team-mate next season. "I am pleased to continue our journey with Logan into the 2024 season,” Vowles said. “Logan has demonstrated immense skill whilst under the pressure of the world stage, making him a perfect fit for our team. We have great confidence in his abilities and believe that together we can achieve even greater success in the upcoming season." Sargeant added: "I am thrilled to be continuing with Williams Racing for the 2024 season. It has been an incredible journey with the team so far, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue developing as a driver within such a talented and dedicated group. “We have exciting plans for the future, and I can’t wait to contribute to the team’s success in the coming year." More to follow... Read More Max Verstappen reveals three favourite wins in 2023 title triumph F1 Drive reveal bespoke karts with ‘DRS’ for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium track Lando Norris snaps at Max Verstappen ‘BFF’ comment

Max Verstappen says wins in Miami, Zandvoort and Suzuka were his favourite victories of the 2023 season. The Red Bull driver, in one of the most destructive F1 cars ever, stormed to his third-straight world title with 19 wins from 22 races. The 26-year-old has now revealed what races stand out for him amid a record-breaking campaign. “I think the comeback race in Miami was great, that was an important one,” he said, after his season-ending win in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. “Winning at home at Zandvoort was a very nice one and I think winning at Suzuka, after the tough weekend we had at Singapore.” Verstappen started ninth on the grid in Miami but fought back and overtook team-mate Sergio Perez to seal his second-straight win in Florida. The Dutchman won his home race despite a late crash triggering a red flag, while his win in Japan followed a disappointing showing in Singapore – the only race Red Bull failed to win all year. Verstappen added how he stays motivated to win week after week despite sealing the title back in October in Qatar. “I love driving, I think that’s – first and foremost – the most important thing to be here,” he said. “For me, naturally, the motivation is there, because I know that for most of the races that I go to this year, I have a big chance of winning, so that’s great. “I think it’s tougher when you have been in that position and then you come to a race where it’s not possible anymore, then it’s hard, or harder, to find your motivation. You need to try and look into different places, how you can keep that motivation going. “But at the moment, of course, when you’re on the top, I think it’s probably easier than when you’re in the middle of the pack.” The 2024 F1 season starts on March 2 with a Saturday night opening race – the Bahrain Grand Prix Read More F1 Drive reveal bespoke karts with ‘DRS’ for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium track Lando Norris snaps at Max Verstappen ‘BFF’ comment Carlos Sainz’s personal trainer links up with F1 rival Lewis Hamilton: ‘I had asked Mercedes for changes and they weren’t done’ Mercedes team member miraculously finds wedding ring in Abu Dhabi marina Michael Masi could return to F1 despite 2021 Abu Dhabi finale

F1 Drive, the new in-stadium karting facility at the 60,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, have unveiled their bespoke karts ahead of the grand opening next year. The new state-of-the-art facility below the South Stand at Tottenham is the epicentre for a 15-year strategic partnership between the club and Formula 1. Now, F1 Drive have revealed several features on the karts to “create the most authentic F1 driving experience for drivers of all ages and ability levels.” These include a simulated “DRS” button on the steering wheel, allowing a kart to pick up more speed when following close behind a kart in front – just like in Formula 1. Karts will also feature a “boost” button which will deliver additional power for short bursts of time. Karts will also have immersive audio with sound effects taken from the cars of Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, as well as commentary and tips from David Croft and Naomi Schiff. Steering wheels will have an 18cm LED display, providing real-time data such as lap times and flags to drivers, while the timing screens will match official F1 broadcast graphics. There will also be separate tracks for adults and juniors and the offering of dual karts to cater for accessibility requirements. F1 director of commercial partnerships Jonny Haworth said: “We wanted to create a karting experience that truly captures the feeling and atmosphere of Formula 1 and offers an accessible entry point to our sport for as many people as possible and F1 Drive-London is going to deliver on this vision and more.” The karts will have four different liveries and come in two sizes, with modifications possible depending on age and skill level. “Whether you are just starting out on your motorsport journey with your eyes set on the F1 Grid or are looking for a great day out with family and friends, F1 Drive-London can deliver an authentic F1 experience for all,” Haworth added. “I am excited to see the karts launch and track testing begin, and I can’t wait to see our fans hitting the track in the new year.” Tottenham Hotspur chief commercial officer added: “We can’t wait to welcome visitors to the world’s first Formula 1® karting facility here in Tottenham. “It will be another attraction at our world-class stadium and will act as an innovative gateway into motorsport for new fans looking to discover the thrill of Formula 1®, while giving the most passionate race fans a truly first-of-its-kind experience.” While an official opening date has not yet been released, the facility is expected to open in early 2024. The facility is expected to host future national karting championship races, having been accredited by the National Karting Association. A driver academy programme will also be launched. As well as NFL matches, boxing fights and music concerts, the karting track is another attraction to grace the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium which includes the ‘Dare Skywalk’ at the top of the stadium. Read More Lewis Hamilton: ‘I had asked Mercedes for changes and they weren’t done’ Verstappen rewrote history books in 2023 – but his dominance stretches way beyond F1 When does the 2024 F1 season start? F1 2023 official calendar: All 23 Grand Prix this year F1 Juniors broadcast an admirable idea – but all kids want to be is grown up Walking with the stars: Inside the white lines of the Las Vegas Grand Prix grid

Lando Norris snapped back after a reporter labelled Max Verstappen the British driver’s “BFF.” Norris and Verstappen are good friends and are regularly seen chatting and joking with one another in the paddock. Verstappen won 19 of the 22 races in the 2023 season while Norris – still searching for his first F1 victory – finished on the podium seven times without securing that elusive win. However, the McLaren driver reacted frostily when a journalist hinted after Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that his relationship with the three-time world champion was closer than it actually is. “He’s not my BFF (best friend forever), don’t ever say that again,” said Norris. “We respect each other and we get along, kind of friends away [from the track], but that’s it. We just have a lot of respect for one another.” Norris has been linked with the second seat at Red Bull, though has a contract with McLaren until the end of the 2025 season. Sergio Perez has a contract at Red Bull which expires at the end of next season. Red Bull boss Christian Horner admitted in September that Norris was one of many drivers who the team are “keeping an eye on.” “Lando’s a great driver,” said Horner. “He’s a big talent, big personality and of course he’s one of those drivers that you keep an eye on. “But there’s many drivers that you keep an eye on as well. There’s a generation of drivers out there at the moment that have got a huge amount of talent.” The 2024 F1 season starts on March 2 with a Saturday night opening race – the Bahrain Grand Prix. Read More Carlos Sainz’s personal trainer links up with F1 rival Lewis Hamilton: ‘I had asked Mercedes for changes and they weren’t done’ Mercedes team member miraculously finds wedding ring in Abu Dhabi marina Michael Masi could return to F1 despite 2021 Abu Dhabi finale ‘Sexism, please! Do they have anything else?’ FIA boss denies misogyny accusations F1 fans spark chaos and launch bottles of prosecco in Abu Dhabi brawl

Carlos Sainz has lost his personal trainer to Max Verstappen after eight years of working together. The Ferrari driver has worked with Rupert Manwaring since making his F1 debut in 2015, when he drove for Toro Rosso alongside Verstappen. While Verstappen was quickly promoted to Red Bull and has won three world titles, Sainz joined Renault, McLaren and now Ferrari but maintained his partnership with Manwaring. However, Verstappen has poached Manwaring after his own personal trainer Bradley Scanes opted for pastures new, with the intention of spending more time at home. Verstappen’s father, Jos, worked with Manwaring’s father during his own F1 career. Manwaring works for the Hintsa Performance company, launched by Dr Aki Hintsa – who worked with Lewis Hamilton and Mika Hakkinen before he passed away in 2016. Sainz, meanwhile, was a frustrated figure by the end of the season-finale in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. The Spaniard endured a fortnight to forget, demoted 10 places in Las Vegas after his car was damaged due to a loose manhole cover, before qualifying only 16th on the grid for the final race of the season. "Today, the last two weekends, this last weekend in general, haven’t gone like I expected or like we wanted to finish the year," he said. "Honestly, [I’m] very disappointed and obviously not happy. "Given how close it was in the end with the constructors’ championship, we will have to sit down and analyse what we could have done better today and what was going on. “Clearly the pace this weekend and the overall feeling with the car and everything, the end wasn’t good." The 2024 F1 season starts on March 2 with a Saturday night opening race – the Bahrain Grand Prix. Read More Lewis Hamilton: ‘I had asked Mercedes for changes and they weren’t done’ Mercedes team member miraculously finds wedding ring in Abu Dhabi marina Michael Masi could return to F1 despite 2021 Abu Dhabi finale ‘Sexism, please! Do they have anything else?’ FIA boss denies misogyny accusations F1 fans spark chaos and launch bottles of prosecco in Abu Dhabi brawl IndyCar champion admits breaching McLaren contract in £18m lawsuit over F1 seat

Lewis Hamilton has revealed that Mercedes did not make changes to their car that the seven-time world champion asked for ahead of the 2023 season. Hamilton again endured a frustrating campaign as his search for a record eighth title continues, with the 38-year-old now without a race win in more than two years. While the British driver fought back from a slow start to finish an eventual third in the Drivers’ Championship standings, Mercedes were largely unable to challenge Red Bull’s dominance at the top. It followed an uneven year in 2022 that saw the team plagued with problems, and Hamilton has now confirmed that his request that changes be made to their vehicle ahead of this year’s campaign was ignored. Problems were evident from the very first grand prix of the season in Bahrain, with Hamilton revealing that he had to have “big, big talks” with Mercedes after the race. “I’m sure there were frustrations, because I had asked for certain changes, and they weren’t done,” Hamilton recalled in an interview with the BBC. “No-one knew exactly what the problem was. No-one knew how to fix it. “Having the experience of the previous year [2022], I just applied myself, in terms of digging down, sitting with the guys. We were having much better meetings. “I was able to stay a lot more positive during the year and be like: ‘It’s going to be a long season, but let’s not give up. Let’s keep pushing towards getting the maximum out of the car, whatever that may be.’ “I think for this year they thought: ‘The fundamentals are good and we just have to go here.’ And it was not the case. That’s why I was frustrated in February, because they hadn’t made the changes I’d asked for.” Hamilton secured pole position only once across the 2023 season. A third consecutive world title was secured by Max Verstappen, who has been clear at the top ever since pipping the Brit to a maiden crown in Abu Dhabi in 2021. The Dutchman ascended to a new level of ascendancy over the rest of the field this season, recording 19 wins in 22 races, including ten consecutive victories between the Miami Grand Prix and Italian Grand Prix. But Hamilton does not believe that Verstappen even had to work that hard for his title. “You can go through the lap times and some of the data from Max; he is just chilling at the front more often than not,” Hamilton said of his old rival. “I don’t think he has broken a sweat during the year. “Even when we were chasing him in Austin, I don’t think he was sweating. I think he was just able to control it. And when you are in that position where you have performance and can back off, the car goes further. The tyres go longer and you are in a sweet spot and it is amazing to be in that place. “Ultimately, [Red Bull] have done an amazing job and worked and deserve it.”

A Mercedes team member is desperately trying to salvage his lost wedding ring after being thrown into Yas Marina after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As is often the case following the final race of the season, the team member was chucked into Yas Marina following Sunday’s grand prix. However, disaster struck when he lost his wedding ring and now he has employed the help of a diver – armed with a metal detector and a sieve – in an attempt to retrieve it. A group of freelance reporters, present at the Yas Marina Circuit for the post-season tyre test on Tuesday, told the story on Twitter/X. However, after an hour-long search, which included issues with the metal detector, all that was found was a knife. Those present on-site added that the team member plans to enlist the help of a group of local people in the coming days in order to retrieve the ring. Mercedes finished the 2023 season on Sunday by claiming second in the constructors’ championship – but there was little to celebrate after their first winless season in 12 years. Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, has now gone two years without winning a race. “If we are able to give him [Lewis] a car, he will be fighting for a world championship,” said Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. “I have no doubt. But it is clear if you have a car like we have now, you are not at ease with it. “Red Bull started the new regulations in 2022 with a massive advantage and they have been able to maintain it. “We have a lot of respect for their achievements – from the engineering side, and the driver – and beating them under the current regulations is against the odds. Mount Everest is in front of us.” The 2024 F1 season starts on March 2 with a Saturday night opening race, the Bahrain Grand Prix. Read More Michael Masi could return to F1 despite 2021 Abu Dhabi finale ‘Sexism, please! Do they have anything else?’ FIA boss denies misogyny accusations F1 fans spark chaos and launch bottles of prosecco in Abu Dhabi brawl IndyCar champion admits breaching McLaren contract in £18m lawsuit over F1 seat Verstappen rewrote history books in 2023 – but his dominance stretches way beyond F1 Lando Norris slams Sergio Perez after collision: ‘It’s nothing new’

Michael Masi could return to a position Formula 1 in the future, says FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Australian race steward Masi was in the hot seat for the controversial end to the 2021 F1 season, when Max Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton on the final lap in Abu Dhabi to win his first world title. An investigation in the months afterwards blamed “human error” before Masi was sacked, following the botched safety car and lapped cars procedure which opened the door for Verstappen. Yet Ben Sulayem, who took over as FIA boss five days after that 2021 finale, insists Masi could return to the fold if the right position came up. “I always apologise, but I cannot apologise for something which was done before my time,” said Ben Sulayem, in a wide-ranging interview. “OK, I will do the apology, but I will bring Michael Masi again. Do you think that is right? “The poor guy is a person who has been attacked and abused. Michael Masi went through hell. Hell! And if I see there is an opportunity that the FIA needs, and Michael Masi is the right person, I will bring him.” The Emirati executive also compared Hamilton losing his grip on what would have been a record-breaking eighth world title to the 1966 World Cup final, when England beat West Germany following a goal which was given despite replays showing the ball did not cross the line. “I even had people threatening me to kill me because I had the power to change it (the Abu Dhabi result),” Ben Sualyem added. “But I said to them: ‘Sorry, the World Cup of 1966, England against Germany, was that correct? Did they change it? No.’ Did they give it to Germany? Nein.” Masi said he received death threats following the 2021 finale and has since returned home to Australia following his removal as FIA race director. He was last summer appointed the independent Chair of the Australian Supercars Commission and was present at the Australian Grand Prix in April. Read More ‘Sexism, please! Do they have anything else?’ FIA boss denies misogyny accusations F1 fans spark chaos and launch bottles of prosecco in Abu Dhabi brawl IndyCar champion admits breaching McLaren contract in £18m lawsuit over F1 seat

On taking off his seat belt in the Red Bull 2023 juggernaut for the final time on race-day in Abu Dhabi, Max Verstappen took stock. The Dutchman had just coasted to a record-extending 19th victory of the season; his 54th overall, with only Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher ahead of him now in the all-time stakes. For a man whose unflappability has been the defining characteristic of his championship cruise, the three-time world champion admitted to feeling emotional as he waved goodbye to the RB19. “An incredible season – it was a bit emotional on the in-lap,” he said. “The last time sitting in the car that has of course given me a lot.” A lot is an understatement. Pretty much everything is more accurate. Save a strange anomaly in Singapore in September, Verstappen has been on the podium at the end of every race. His 575 points gave him a 290-point margin over second place: team-mate Sergio Perez. If the Mexican’s tally of 285 was doubled, he’d still be five points shy. LIST OF MAX VERSTAPPEN’S 2023 RECORDS - Most wins in a single season – 19 - Most podium finishes in a season – 21 - Highest points total – 575 - Largest championship-winning margin – 290 - First driver to surpass 1,000 laps led in a single season - Only driver to complete every lap in the 2023 season - Highest win percentage in F1 history – 86.3% He also became the first driver ever to surpass 1,000 laps led in a single season, while his Abu Dhabi victory meant he was the only driver on the grid to complete every lap in 2023. In fact, he has not endured a retirement since Australia last April. The sheer supremacy and dismissal of the opposition – both across the garage and the other nine teams, flailing in his wake – has been ruthless. There has been no let-up. Yet the ultimate indication that this was the most dominant season in F1’s 73-year history is best represented (in a time where podiums and race wins are incomparable due to the current record-breaking calendar) by his win-percentage. Nineteen out of 22 gives him 86.3%. The previous record had held for over 70 years: Alberto Ascari’s 75% in 1952, when he won six of eight races. It makes Verstappen’s 2023 campaign, statistically, the best-ever by some distance. The 26-year-old – whose calculated in-race menace and over-eagerness of his early 20s looks a thing of the past – has set the new benchmark, far beyond the likes of Fangio, Schumacher and Hamilton. Formula 1 has never seen the like before. In Verstappen’s own words: “It will be hard to do something similar again.” But where does it rank in the all-time great sporting seasons? A comparison in this respect is difficult, by virtue of different sports placing different emphasis on different competitions, with the weight of team vs individual at play too. Nonetheless, speculating is fun: we’ll give it a go. Immediate standouts include Tiger Woods’ 2000 season, where he stormed to three of the four majors and nine out of 20 PGA Tour wins. Novak Djokovic – take your pick – has a quadruple of hat-trick major glory in 2011, 2015, 2021 and 2023, while Roger Federer’s 2006 saw him lose to just two players (Rafael Nadal and a young Andy Murray). But even then, Verstappen is superior in the numbers game. Woods entered 20 tournaments in 2000, winning nine to give him a 45% win ratio. Of course, golf has a bigger playing field and is prone to more random winners (and just how F1 would value a bit more uncertainty right now for the sporting product). But still, that’s the facts. Federer played 17 tournaments in 2006, winning 12 of them. The Swiss maestro is closer, with a 70.6% win percentage in tournaments played. He has Rafael Nadal to thank for it not being near-perfect, with four of those five losses at the hands of the Spaniard. Djokovic’s best season for titles was 2015, when he won 11 from 16 tournaments played – 68.75%. Serena Williams had an identical 11/16 titles record in 2013. Still, some way short of Verstappen. In recent years in European football, Barcelona’s treble-winning season in 2014-15 was super impressive. Lionel Messi and co. played 61 matches, winning 51 of them. That gives them 83.6% across the course of the season. Staggering, really. Manchester City’s treble last year came in at 73.77% of matches won, with their 2017-18 100-point season statistically better at 80.7%. Across the Atlantic, only two NBA teams have ever recorded win percentages higher than Verstappen’s: Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in 1995-96 and Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors in 2015-16. The 1972 Miami Dolphins are the only team ever to complete a perfect NFL season, with Tom Brady’s New England Patriots coming close in 2007 before falling at the final Super Bowl hurdle. We could go on and on. Blatantly, different sports have different barometers of success. Different competitions and tournaments have different significance depending on prestige and ranking points, unlike F1 where points are identical for each race. But what this very basic overview does show is that Verstappen in 2023 is very much in the conversation. It still feels as though the Dutchman’s achievements this year are viewed through quite a narrow prism. “It’s all about the car,” says Joe Bloggs, with a Mercedes cap on. Sure, the RB19 is one of the greatest cars in F1 history and has a monumental impact. But Perez’s topsy-turvy season in identical machinery shows there is more to Red Bull’s success than the machine. It needs to be armed and steered by capable hands. Verstappen has barely made a mistake all season. His year of dominance will be looked back on in years to come, similar to the Schumacher reign at the start of the 2000s. It’s now about how big Verstappen’s legacy will be. How many titles can he win in a row? Can he get up to Schumacher and Hamilton’s record of seven? And how many races can he continue to win, with a brash sense of ease and control, along the way? Read More F1 fans spark chaos with brawl at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix IndyCar champion admits breaching McLaren contract in £18m lawsuit over F1 seat Lando Norris slams Sergio Perez after collision: ‘It’s nothing new’ Williams boss refuses to confirm Logan Sargeant’s seat for 2024 F1 2023 season report card: Red Bull flourish but what about Mercedes and Ferrari? Toto Wolff sees ‘Mount Everest’ ahead as Mercedes seek to end Red Bull’s domination

Formula One boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem has defended historic sexist remarks on his personal website in which he allegedly said he does “not like women who think they are smarter than men” – and revealed that he was subjected to a racist slur as he campaigned to become FIA president. In a PA news agency interview, the 62-year-old Emirati – elected to the biggest job in motor sport in December 2021 – vehemently denied claims of misogyny and said he had been the target of an “inhuman” smear campaign. Ben Sulayem also compared Lewis Hamilton’s contentious championship defeat in 2021 to England’s 1966 World Cup final win against West Germany, following Sir Geoff Hurst’s controversial ‘offside’ goal, while reiterating his belief that Michael Masi – the man accused of denying Hamilton a record eighth world title – could return to the sport. In January, Ben Sulayem was quoted on an archived version of his old website saying that he does “not like women who think they are smarter than men, for they are not in truth”. At the time, the FIA said the comments, which date back to 2001, “do not reflect the president’s beliefs”. But personally addressing the remarks for the first time, Ben Sulayem told PA: “What did I say, if I said it? Let’s assume it was (me). I tell you exactly what it said. It says: ‘I hate when women think they are smarter than us’. But they hate when men think they are smarter than them. “Did I say we are smarter? No. Did I say they are less smarter? No. For God’s sake, if that is the only thing they have against me, please be my guest, you can do worse than that. “People can go back and see what has been said, and if I have said anything against women. In 117 years of the FIA, I am the only president who brought in a female CEO (Natalie Robyn). “I made the commission for EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), and I brought a woman in (adviser, Tanya Kutsenko). “There is disrespect to women if you say we have to have 30 per cent (female staff). You bring them in on merit and credibility. And that is why they are there. “Look at Bernie Ecclestone’s wife. (Fabiana Ecclestone, Vice-President for Sport in South America). She is one of the most active. They said that I brought her in because of the support from Bernie. But Bernie doesn’t have any connection with any votes. He has no power over them.” Ben Sulayem took the unprecedented decision to relinquish the day-to-day running of F1 in February after he clashed with the sport’s American owners Liberty Media over the introduction of an 11th team and questioned the valuation of the sport. A month later his son, Saif, died in a road traffic accident in Dubai. In April, further allegations emerged after the Daily Telegraph reported that Shaila-Ann Rao – the FIA’s former interim secretary general for motorsport – wrote a letter to the governing body accusing Ben Sulayem of sexist behaviour. “When we opened a position as CEO, Shaila-Ann wanted to be the CEO,” continues Ben Sulayem. “I could not get involved. I said, ‘Shaila, you are good, go through with the process’. We had 150 applications, and everybody went through that process.” Ben Sulayem then reaches for his phone to reveal a WhatsApp message he claims to be from Rao thanking him for hosting her at the Italian Grand Prix earlier this season. He adds: “I don’t want to do any comment. But that is from September. Sexism, please! Do they have anything else? Why don’t they come and confront me?” Ben Sulayem continues: “The attack on me earlier this year was inhuman, with the tragedy that I had. I would love that if I did these things that I was accused of, you sit with me, challenge me and confront me. But don’t fabricate and throw things at me, and then when I tell you to prove it, you run away and don’t come back. That is not the way.” Asked if he was being targeted, the former rally driver, who is midway through a four-year term, replies: “Yes. Because I am doing the right thing. “Imagine in my campaign, in Europe, that someone said to me: ‘Don’t ever think we will accept our president of the FIA to be an Arab Muslim with the name of Mohammed’. “I laughed because I knew how to beat him – by winning. But my Christian team were so upset with him. I said, ‘no, leave it, please, this is something I expect from them’. But can we go back to work? And work for the passion that we love, which is motorsport, and improve it?” Ben Sulayem succeeded Jean Todt five days after Hamilton was sensationally denied a record eighth world title at the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi. Race referee Masi’s failure to imply the correct rules left Hamilton at the mercy of Max Verstappen. The Dutchman took the championship in the desert before quickly racking up another two titles in his all-conquering Red Bull. Hamilton has not won a race since. A subsequent FIA investigation blamed “human error” before Masi was removed from his post. However, the governing body stopped short of a public apology to Hamilton. “I always apologise, but I cannot apologise for something which was done before my time,” said Ben Sulayem. “OK, I will do the apology, but I will bring Michael Masi again. Do you think that is right? “The poor guy is a person who has been attacked and abused. Michael Masi went through hell. Hell! And if I see there is an opportunity that the FIA needs, and Michael Masi is the right person, I will bring him. “I even had people threatening me to kill me because I had the power to change it (the result). But I said to them: ‘Sorry, the World Cup of 1966, England against Germany, was that correct? Did they change it? No.’ Did they give it to Germany? Nein.” Read More How Max Verstappen compares to Formula One greats after record-breaking season Lewis Hamilton cannot wait for season to end after qualifying 11th in Abu Dhabi George Russell fastest as rookies handed chance in first Abu Dhabi practice Class action lawsuit filed over farcical start to Las Vegas Grand Prix F1 fans spark chaos with brawl at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix IndyCar champion admits breaching McLaren contract in £18m lawsuit over F1 seat