Jean Todt criticizes Mohammed Ben Sulayem

Jean Todt has responded to successor Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s allegations of a budget deficit inherited from the former’s presidency, dismissing the claims as “smoke” while censuring the current president’s critique.

Addressing Ben Sulayem’s assertions of over $20 million deficits predating COVID-19, Todt clarified:

“When I left, there must have been more than 250 million euro in reserves. When I arrived in 2009, there were barely 40m [euro].”

He attributed 2021 shortfalls to the pandemic's impact, highlighting his efforts in safeguarding FIA and F1 during an unprecedented crisis.

Further contextualizing the finances, Todt referenced the near-tripling of FIA’s budget under his supervision, spurred by new championships introductions, contrasting the governing body’s strengthened position to “before Liberty Media became FOM owner.”

While acknowledging the unfinished Halo patent lawsuit, Todt stressed its disclosure to FIA bodies with Ben Sulayem present pre-exit:

“It was well documented and monitored by our services; we presented it to the senate and the world council before I left, and the current president attended this presentation.”

Categorizing ongoing litigation as standard, Todt conveyed transparency and procedural prudence rather than concealment.

Expressing unsurprise at his successor's criticism given “the character”, Todt underscored fundamental policy divergences, remarking:

“Everything that was put in place during my mandate was turned upside down.”

While avoiding hostile counter-allegations, Todt firmly disputed claims of deficits or mismanagement:

“The reality is what I just told you... You can't stop someone from criticising or disagreeing. But everything I have done during my presidency has always been approved by the senate and the world councils.”

Highlighting renegotiated, advantageous terms with Formula One in Concorde Agreements, Todt emphasized clear “night and day” improvements in income and voting equity.

While recognizing the futility of restricting criticism, Todt strongly asserted financial and organizational stability along with procedural transparency at his presidential exit.