FIA member clubs have urged the governing body to pursue legal action against those trying to ‘slander’ its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Earlier this year, a whistleblower claimed Ben Sulayem had attempted to interfere in two Grand Prix weekends last season.

He was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing by the FIA’s ethics committee following an investigation.

In a letter published by the FIA, the member clubs stated: “We will recommend that the FIA initiate legal action against those who, without cause, slander the FIA and its leadership.

“We endorse and ratify our vote of confidence in support of Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, for his stewardship of the FIA and his progress to fulfilling his commitment to transform the FIA in an ethical and transparent manner in order to better serve its members.”