Carlos Sainz Sr. has unexpectedly stepped down from the contest for the FIA presidency, allowing Mohammed Ben Sulayem to face no opposition in the upcoming December re-election. Sainz cited challenging circumstances and limited preparation time caused by his commitments to Ford and his Dakar Rally team as reasons for his decision to withdraw.
Ben Sulayem’s Strong Support Limits Competition
Although there was early enthusiasm for Sainz as a viable candidate, Ben Sulayem’s broad backing from 36 FIA member clubs, especially those in the Americas, made it difficult for Sainz to mount a substantial campaign. This level of support left Sainz with little realistic chance to challenge the incumbent effectively.
Sainz Reflects on His Decision and Future in Motorsport
In a social media statement, Sainz explained his reasoning:
“I have worked hard in recent months to deeply understand the situation within the FIA and the demands and complexities that such an important project entails. After careful consideration, I have concluded that the current circumstances are not ideal for laying the groundwork for my candidacy.”
—Carlos Sainz Sr.
Despite stepping back from the leadership race, Sainz remains committed to contributing to motorsport and stresses the importance of meaningful reforms within the FIA going forward.
FIA Under Ben Sulayem Faces Challenges Amid Continued Leadership
The FIA, led by Ben Sulayem, has experienced various controversies including governance concerns and internal conflicts. However, Ben Sulayem maintains strong internal loyalty, which has secured his path to re-election without competition. The lack of opposing candidates diminishes what could have been a vigorous debate over the future of the organization.
Implications of the Uncontested Re-election
With no challengers remaining, Ben Sulayem is set to continue leading the FIA, a situation that some see as a missed chance for change within motorsport’s governing body. As the FIA prepares for its leadership vote, the organization faces ongoing scrutiny but will advance under Ben Sulayem’s direction without the test of a contested race.
