FIA president backs Qatar GP’s role in F1’s future despite criticism

The 64-year-old, speaking ahead of the 2025 edition of the race, stated that the Grand Prix in Qatar demonstrates the Middle Eastern country’s ambition to develop motorsport, from grassroots initiatives to the global stage.

“The Qatar Grand Prix is more than a race – it is a symbol of the country’s ambition, not only to host but to grow motorsport from the grassroots to the global stage,” Ben Sulayem said.

The Emirati also reaffirmed the FIA’s commitment to the region, underlining the Middle East’s growing importance in the motorsport calendar.

“As we look to the future, this Grand Prix reaffirms our confidence in the Middle East and the important part the region plays in the championship’s calendar,” he concluded.

Since joining the F1 calendar in 2021, the Qatar race has been greeted with varying criticism, particularly considering the heat conditions and specific tyre rules the Grand Prix has often had to adopt.

The 2025 edition of the race is also set to feature a special tyre rule, as Pirelli, alongside the FIA, has decided on a compulsory 25-lap stint for each tyre compound.

Haas F1 team boss Ayao Komatsu was recently critical of the special tyre rule imposed ahead of this year’s Qatar Grand Prix. The 49-year-old stated that such a rule could destroy the racing spectacle.

The Japanese motorsport chief also reiterated that he is not a fan of artificial changes to races.

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