Crowned world champion, Lando Norris was supposed to be the sole star of the evening. But the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, once again stole the spotlight, causing unease and controversy.
The FIA president shows Lando Norris a yellow card…
The star of the ceremony was obviously Lando NorrisWorld champion, hero of McLaren, the smiling face of a historic season. Yet, just before the trophy presentation, another man tried to steal the spotlight: Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The FIA president literally pounced on Norris to vigorously ruffle his hair for several seconds, in front of a bewildered audience. A strange, almost embarrassing scene that quickly became the talk of the town.
This was not an isolated incident. Last Sunday, in Abu Dhabi, Ben Sulayem had repeated the exact same gesture a few minutes after the race ended. Again, Land Norris had seemed uncomfortable, with a forced smile and averted gaze.
Through repetition, the gesture becomes less amusing than it is questionable: is it simply misplaced familiarity or a deliberate attempt to impose oneself on the image of the champion?
When questioned after the ceremony, Lando Norris chose humor to defuse the situation:
"I hope my hair is still in good condition."
A laugh, a pirouette, but a clear message: the moment was unexpected, to say the least.
On stage, the world champion then emphasized the essentials, paying tribute to McLaren and Oscar Piastri:
"We achieved some great victories, like in Monaco and Silverstone."
Before adding, more spontaneously:
"But we also made some fucking mistakes. Can I say that here?"
A seemingly innocuous phrase for many, but heavy with meaning in a context where the FIA is increasing sanctions against swearing, including swearing uttered in the privacy of race radios.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem He was quick to react, albeit jokingly:
"I can fine you 5,000 euros for this. But I think you'll need that money for your hair, which I've completely ruined." »
A joke, certainly. But also a very public reminder of presidential authority, right in the middle of the crowning of a world champion.
Re-elected this Friday as head of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem begins a new term which is due to extend until December 2029. A re-election without suspense: he was the only candidate.
But behind the scenes, discontent is brewing. The election is considered by some to be anti-democratic, and several appeals have been filed to obtain the organization of a new vote.
The verdict is expected on February 16th.
In Tashkent, Lando Norris He was crowned world champion. Yet, the image that will remain may well be that of a president seeking his place in the spotlight, even if it means blurring the lines between celebration, authority, and unease.
What if, in its relentless pursuit of recognition, the FIA ends up overshadowing those it is supposed to honor?
