In December, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) will hold its presidential election at the General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where incumbent Mohamed Ben Sulayem aims to secure a second four-year term. Facing a democratic vote involving 245 member organisations across 149 countries, the election promises to shape the future leadership of the global governing body for motorsport and automobile mobility. Recently, reports have emerged that former rally champion Carlos Sainz Sr is contemplating a challenge to Ben Sulayem’s bid, injecting an element of tension and uncertainty into a process that is often marked by formality and continuity.
Every four years, the FIA conducts presidential elections during its General Assembly, which convenes the national sporting authorities and automotive clubs that form its membership base. This assembly carries the responsibility of addressing agenda points from the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council, World Council for Automobile Mobility and Tourism, as well as the Senate, before voting on major roles, including that of the president. The president is elected alongside a list of key positions covering both sporting and mobility sectors, such as a president of the senate, a deputy president, and multiple vice-presidents representing each region globally.
The election framework demands candidates run with an accompanying list covering these critical roles to ensure broad representation. This includes seven vice-presidents for sport and another seven for automobile mobility and tourism, with regional representation guaranteed across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Africa, North America, South America, and Asia-Pacific. The rules also stipulate age restrictions for candidates, who must be under 70 years old on election day, and limit any president to a maximum of three terms, totaling 12 years. Crucially, the eligibility of any candidate list depends on securing support from the requisite number of sporting and mobility members within the FIA.
Voting procedures are conducted by secret ballot, with the FIA’s legal department overseeing a confidential count, supervised by independent observers appointed by the assembly. Members hold up to 24 votes each, evenly split between sport and mobility, although some countries may only participate in one category. Victory requires an absolute majority in the first round or a simple majority in a subsequent round, ensuring that the president has clear backing from the membership.
Ben Sulayem, who succeeded Jean Todt in 2021 after defeating Graham Stoker with 61.62% of the vote, is a well-known figure within the FIA as a 14-time Middle East Rally Champion and previous holder of multiple senior FIA roles. However, his presidency has not been without controversy. Over the past few years, scrutiny has increased regarding the governance of the organisation under his leadership. Motorsport UK president Dave Richards publicly raised concerns about the FIA’s management, while several senior staff members, including Ben Sulayem’s deputy president for sport, Robert Reid, have departed from the organisation amid growing unease.
With no official candidates yet declared to oppose Ben Sulayem, the possibility of Carlos Sainz Sr entering the race carries significant weight. Sainz Sr’s rally credentials and respected standing in the motorsport community provide the potential for a formidable challenge, potentially altering the course of the FIA’s future direction. Motorsport insiders reveal that Sainz Sr was approached and is seriously considering a bid, a development that highlights undercurrents of tension within the FIA ranks and reflects wider dissatisfaction among certain members.
The upcoming election represents a critical juncture for the FIA, with implications extending well beyond the simple transfer of power. Should Carlos Sainz Sr officially enter the contest, it would not only test the established order but also bring fresh scrutiny to the FIA’s governance practices and internal dynamics. Given the concerns voiced over the last few years and the departures of key figures, the election may open a period of introspection and reform, depending on the outcome. The high stakes and mounting unease underscore a moment charged with melancholy and frustration for many who hope for renewed stability and integrity within international motorsport management.
As the world watches to see whether Carlos Sainz Sr will confirm his candidacy and challenge Ben Sulayem, the FIA stands at a crossroads. The result in December could either entrench existing leadership amid ongoing criticism or introduce new management eager to address the body’s contested governance. Regardless of who wins, the election promises to reverberate across the global motorsport community, influencing policies and leadership for years to come.
