F1 civil war kicks off as bosses hit back at FIA president’s comments

Formula One bosses have hit back at FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s social media comments suggesting they were ‘unacceptable’. The 61-year-old has argued against rumours that the sport could be bought out for £16billion following a report last week that the Saudi Arabian Public Investment fund (PIF) were contemplating a takeover bid. 

In a letter sent by Sacha Woodward Hill, F1’s legal supremo, and Renee Wilm, chief legal and administrative officer of Liberty Media Corporation to the sport’s team argues that the FIA has strayed beyond its remit. 

According to Sky News, the letter reads: “Formula 1 has the exclusive right to exploit the commercial rights in the FIA Formula One World Championship. 

“Further, the FIA has given unequivocal undertakings that it will not do anything to prejudice the ownership, management and/or exploitation of those rights.

“We consider that those comments, made from the FIA president’s official social media account, interfere with those rights in an unacceptable manner.”

The development comes following a report from Bloomberg last week that Saudi Arabia had explored a bid to buy the sport for £16bn. 

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