In the hyper-charged world of Formula 1, every subtle gesture, every flicker of body language, and every public interaction is amplified under the global media spotlight. This intense scrutiny is usually reserved for wheel-to-wheel battles, high-stakes strategy, or post-race triumphs. Recently, however, the focus has shifted uncomfortably onto a different kind of public interaction: the physical closeness and prolonged contact initiated by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), with the very drivers he governs.
The growing conversation, initially sparked by fan observations on social media and documented in video compilations, centers on a distinct pattern: moments where drivers, stopped to be congratulated or spoken to by the FIA President, are subjected to an unexpected arm grab, a persistent shoulder hold, or a touch that lingers just a moment too long . These interactions, captured repeatedly from various angles, are causing many drivers to look, in the most diplomatic terms, “visibly uncomfortable.”
The most recent and widely circulated instance involves McLaren’s Lando Norris, a driver celebrated for his jovial and approachable demeanor. In the footage now doing the rounds, the interaction with President Ben Sulayem appeared decidedly awkward at best . Norris’s body language—a slight recoil, a hesitant lean away, and a gaze that seemed to search for an escape route—spoke volumes, even if his professional smile remained plastered on. This was not a unique incident, but rather the latest chapter in a series of events that has brought a complicated issue of professional conduct, power dynamics, and personal space right to the forefront of elite motorsport.
The role of the FIA President is one of immense authority. As the head of the sport’s governing body, Ben Sulayem holds sway over regulations, safety, and ultimately, the careers of the drivers under his jurisdiction. This intrinsic power imbalance is the foundation of the current discomfort. For a young driver, fresh off a grueling race or in a critical public moment, being approached by the President of the FIA is a required professional engagement. To visibly pull away from a congratulatory gesture, however unwanted, risks being interpreted as rudeness, disrespect, or insubordination—a career calculation no driver is willing to make, even subconsciously. The professional pressure to accept the physical contact, regardless of personal boundaries, is overwhelming.
This situation is not about malice; it is about awareness, context, and the modern standard of professional conduct. In a world increasingly aware of and sensitive to personal boundaries, especially in the workplace and in professional sporting environments, the concept of unsolicited or prolonged touching is being re-evaluated globally. What might have been dismissed as an old-school, overly familiar, or cultural gesture of camaraderie decades ago now reads as a transgression of professional space. High-profile figures, particularly those in positions of power, are expected to operate with an elevated degree of circumspection and formality in their interactions with subordinates.
The drivers themselves are the ultimate professionals, conditioned to perform flawlessly under pressure. Their reactions, though subtle, are incredibly revealing. The common fan observations point to a reflexive stiffening, an attempt to use a hand or object to create a buffer, or a quick shift of weight to gently disengage—all silent, non-verbal pleas for distance. When a driver’s focus should be on the adrenaline rush of a victory, a hard-won podium, or a critical debrief, their attention is visibly drawn to managing an uncomfortable social situation. This distraction, however fleeting, detracts from the purity of the sporting moment.
Take, for instance, the difference between a brisk, firm handshake—a universally accepted professional greeting—and an “arm grab” followed by a lingering hand on the shoulder . The former is acknowledgment; the latter is possession, or at least, a highly personal form of engagement that extends beyond the necessary professional minimum. When this happens repeatedly, the pattern suggests a need for a re-assessment of public protocol from the top of the organization. The governing body’s leadership should be focused on facilitating the sport, not creating moments of palpable tension for its star athletes.
Furthermore, the environment in which these interactions occur—often live on television, immediately following a race, with cameras inches away—means there is zero room for ambiguity. Social media platforms, particularly X and Facebook, act as an instant, global amplifier. A momentary look of discomfort from Lando Norris or any other driver is captured, dissected, looped, and shared millions of times. This constant, public shaming of an awkward interaction ultimately places the burden of correction on the FIA, as the court of public opinion is already delivering its verdict.
The question then becomes: What is the appropriate solution? It is neither feasible nor desirable to demand a complete ban on human interaction. Motorsport, at its heart, is a passionate endeavor that thrives on human connection. However, a clear, universally understood code of conduct, even if only informally adopted by senior leadership, could mitigate this recurring issue. This includes respecting personal bubbles, limiting physical contact to formal gestures like handshakes, and recognizing that one’s position of power inherently makes any form of touch intimidating or inappropriate if not explicitly invited.
The emotional impact on the drivers cannot be overlooked. F1 drivers are not just athletes; they are global brands, meticulously trained to manage stress and public image. Yet, they are also young men and women whose personal boundaries must be respected. When they are at their most vulnerable—exhausted post-race, trying to compose themselves for media duties, or simply navigating a crowded paddock—they deserve to know that their personal space will be safeguarded by the leadership that promises to protect them. The current optics suggest that in these moments, they are instead bracing for an interaction that will add an unnecessary layer of stress to their professional lives.
The discomfort captured on camera represents a broader cultural discussion about professionalism, especially in organizations led by established figures whose social norms may predate contemporary sensitivities. It is a necessary conversation, not aimed at villainizing an individual, but at ensuring that the Formula 1 environment—the pinnacle of motorsport and a globally watched enterprise—operates with the utmost respect for all its key stakeholders, from the highest-ranking official to the most junior driver.
The FIA, under President Ben Sulayem, has the opportunity to set a powerful example. By acknowledging the social media commentary and, more importantly, the evident reactions of its drivers, the organization can subtly adjust its public protocol to eliminate any perception of overreach. A simple shift from the prolonged, uninvited arm grab to a respectful nod or a traditional, brief handshake would be a small change with a massive symbolic effect, signaling a commitment to modern professional standards and, crucially, allowing the world’s best drivers to focus on what they do best, without the added, uncomfortable burden of managing an unwanted physical interaction. The spotlight should remain firmly on the racing, not on the uneasy moments created off-track. The clock is ticking for the FIA to address this silent, yet visibly felt, issue.
