President of the FIA Mohammed Ben Sulayem before the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir. Picture date: Saturday March 2, 2024. (Press Association via AP Images)

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is under investigation for allegedly interfering with the results of a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The news was reported and verified by the BBC.

A whistleblower reported Ben Sulayem to the FIA over allegations he intervened to overturn a penalty given to Fernando Alonso at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The Spanish driver had been given a 10-second time penalty after having work done on his car while serving a previous penalty, something not allowed in F1.

However, the whistleblower said Ben Sulayem called the FIA vice President for sport for the Middle East and North Africa Region, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamas bin Isa Al Khalifa, demanding the revocation of Alonso’s penalty.

FIA compliance officer Paolo Basarri said Ben Sulayem wanted the stewards to overturn their decision on Alonso.

A conclusion on the investigation is expected to take four to six weeks.

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