P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ben Sulayem investigated for alleged attempt to interfere in F1 race result – Report
The 2023 Saudi Arabian GP saw Fernando Alonso initially finish third on the road, but he was later demoted to fourth due to a 10-second penalty for his team touching the car during a penalty stop. However, the penalty was rescinded by the stewards, reinstating Alonso to third place in the final results. An investigation was launched into allegations that Ben Sulayem attempted to influence the penalty decision to benefit Alonso, involving a call to FIA vice-president Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamas bin Isa Al Khalifa. The FIA’s ethics committee is looking into the matter, following a report by FIA compliance officer Paolo Basarri. The stewards’ decision reversal was attributed to new evidence presented by Aston Martin’s sporting director, Andy Stevenson, highlighting the need for clearer rules regarding penalty pitstops. The incident sparked criticism of the FIA for the confusion surrounding the regulations, despite ultimately leading to a fair outcome for Alonso and Aston Martin.
