The Charity Commission has opened a formal inquiry into the FIA Foundation, the road safety charity. This follows Mohammed Ben Sulayem's appointment as chair last year, replacing David Richards. The regulator has issued a protective order, restricting certain transactions without its prior approval.

The inquiry will examine the relationship between the FIA Foundation and motorsport's governing body, the FIA, focusing on potential conflicts of interest and the management of grants. With at least nine of the 12 trustees holding senior FIA roles, the commission is scrutinizing whether the charity's independence is compromised.

The FIA Foundation stated it is cooperating fully, noting the inquiry is not a finding of wrongdoing. This investigation underscores the importance of charity governance and could impact the FIA's public standing ahead of future motorsport seasons.