FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has suffered the tragic loss of his son Saif, who died two days ago.
A spokesperson for the governing body of motorsport confirmed the news. Ben Sulayem has requested privacy and no statement will be issued.Regional media in Dubai, home to Ben Sulayem’s family, reported the death of Saif Mohammed Ben Sulayem in a road car crash on Tuesday evening.
He previously took part in the Formula 4 UAE series, which the future FIA president launched in 2016. Saif Ben Sulayem competed only in races held at the Yas Marina circuit and raced against 2023 F1 debutants Oscar Piastri and Logan Sargeant, as well as series champion Jonathan Aberdein.
Ben Sulayem, 61, was elected president of the FIA in 2021 in place of Jean Todt. He previously competed successfully in rallying, winning the Middle East rally championship 14 times.
Following his first year in charge of the FIA, Ben Sulayem took a step back from day-to-day management of Formula 1. He transferred those responsibilities to single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis in February, though he attended the first round of the new Formula 1 season in Bahrain the previous weekend.
RaceFans sends its condolences to the FIA president and his family.
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Tifoso1989 (@tifoso1989)
9th March 2023, 12:23
It is a heartbreaking experience that no parent should ever have to go through. RIP.
DonSmee (@david-beau)
9th March 2023, 13:59
My sincere condolences Mr. Sulayem.
GeeMac (@geemac)
9th March 2023, 13:59
My condolences Mr. President, as a parent I can only imagine the pain you are going through.
Mayrton
9th March 2023, 15:01
Your worst nightmare. Terrible. My sincere condolences and I hope somewhere along the road of time the family will be able to find some peace within this awful new reality.
playstation361
9th March 2023, 15:17
Bad News sir.
bernasaurus (@bernasaurus)
9th March 2023, 16:29
So sorry. My best thoughts to all those that knew him. Life can be so cruel.
Sergey Martyn
9th March 2023, 16:36
My sincere condolences to Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Very tragic.
RandomMallard
9th March 2023, 16:46
Such tragic news for all who knew him. Sincere condolences to his friends and family.
Jere (@jerejj)
9th March 2023, 16:48
RIP
Phil Norman (@phil-f1-21)
9th March 2023, 18:02
What awful news for any parent. My sincere condolences to Mohammed Ben Sulayem on his family’s loss.
f1andrea
9th March 2023, 18:14
Very terrible news. Sincere condolences
Proesterchen (@proesterchen)
9th March 2023, 19:08
So sorry for their loss, my deepest condolences to the entire Ben Sulayem family.
Sharafsharaf (@f1africa)
9th March 2023, 19:13
My sincere condolences ; as I parent I simply can’t even think about what he and his loved ones are going to through now
amian
9th March 2023, 20:33
I hope he will be able to come back from that. Many people are not able to. I don’t know if you can expect them to. What a sad they for him and his family :(
A M (@amam)
9th March 2023, 20:38
Awful news. No parent should have to bury their child.
Michael (@freelittlebirds)
9th March 2023, 21:51
My sincere condolences to the family – tragic news.
MacLeod (@macleod)
10th March 2023, 7:50
Worst news a parent can get ! My condolences to Mohammed Ben Sulayem and his family.