F1: New FIA head Ben Sulayem may have to punish Hamilton – Gulf Digital News

F1: New FIA head Ben Sulayem may have to punish Hamilton – Gulf Digital News

Paris: Mohammed Ben Sulayem pledged to help fix Formula One's problems after being elected president of the governing FIA on Friday, but recognised he may also have to punish Lewis Hamilton for breaking the rules by not attending the sport's gala awards.

The 60-year-old Emirati replaced Frenchman Jean Todt at the helm after winning an election with 61.62% of the vote.

Ben Sulayem told reporters he would devote all the time needed to Formula One, whose season ended in uproar in Abu Dhabi last Sunday after a change to the safety car procedure led to Red Bull's Max Verstappen taking the title on the last lap.

FIA race director Michael Masi has been at the centre of the controversy, with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff saying the Australian had 'robbed' Hamilton of a record eighth championship.

The governing body has agreed to clarify rules and review the decision-making process.

Hamilton, the sport's most successful driver of all time and badly affected by the outcome after leading until seven corners from the end, did not attend Thursday night's gala awards ceremony-- a requirement for the championship's top three.

"If there is any breach, there is no forgiveness on this," said Ben Sulayem, while also recognising that