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Formula 1’s commercial rights holder and governing body have stated their intention to work together on a “new strategic plan” for the sport, in an apparent easing of tensions between the organisations.
Formula One Management (FOM) and the FIA released a joint statement on Wednesday following positive talks between their respective presidents.
There has been conflict between FOM and the FIA, often publicly, since Mohammed Ben Sulayem was elected as the latter’s president at the end of 2021.
Issues have ranged from Ben Sulayem’s ban on drivers wearing jewellery in the car or making political statements, to F1’s belief that Ben Sulayem put the series’ finances at risk when he publicly questioned overall value estimations.
A whistle-blower also filed two complaints against Ben Sulayem alleging interference during the 2023 season. The FIA investigated and cleared Ben Sulayem of any wrongdoing.
But the biggest issue between the factions had been a disagreement over the prospective addition of an Andretti team to the grid, with the FIA approving the American team’s application before it was rejected by FOM and the sport’s existing 10 teams.
The joint statement said: “The FIA Formula 1 World Championship has never been so strong and is growing globally and the FIA and Formula 1 are committed to delivering the best outcomes for the whole sport.
“To that end, both parties are developing a new strategic plan that will allow us to seize the opportunities and further enhance the potential for F1 in the years ahead.”
