Carlos Sainz expressed his disappointment as a motorsport fan after his father, Carlos Sainz Sr., announced he would not pursue the FIA presidency later this year. The Williams Formula 1 driver clarified that, on a personal level, he was not upset about his father’s choice but recognized that many within the racing community hoped to see Sainz Sr. take on the role.
Although Sainz Sr., a rally legend, never formally declared a candidacy to challenge the current FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, he had publicly considered the possibility. However, speculation ended when Sainz Sr. confirmed he would not run, citing unfavorable conditions for establishing his candidacy and the interference it would cause with his rally preparations.
Factors Behind Sainz Sr.’s Withdrawal from FIA Presidential Race
In a statement, Carlos Sainz Sr. acknowledged that
“the present circumstances are not ideal to set the grounds for my candidacy,”
a key factor in his decision to step back. This move also allowed him to focus on his ongoing rally commitments without disruption.
Asked about his reaction to his father’s withdrawal, Sainz Jr. told reporters,
“As his son, no. As a motorsport fan, yes,”
reflecting the mix of personal understanding and professional disappointment.
He added,
“I think many motorsport people would have liked to see my dad giving it a go and seeing what he could have done for the sport, but as his son, and after evaluating a bit also with him, all the things he had to get involved with and [would] have to take care of, to confirm and to have any possibility of running for that presidency, I think I understand why he’s not doing it and why he’s letting it go and focusing on his own stuff.”
—Carlos Sainz, Williams driver
The Possibility of a Future FIA Presidential Candidacy
Despite the current decision, Sainz does not dismiss the chance that his father might consider a future bid. He suggested that the timing now seemed the most appropriate given the current conditions within the FIA and the sport overall.
The former Ferrari driver said, “Never say never,” when discussing whether Sainz Sr. might run again.
He reflected,
“I think the ideal time was now, given the state of the situation that everything is in, I think it was the ideal moment for him to go in and and try to have a positive effect.”
—Carlos Sainz, Williams driver
Regarding the potential for another attempt in later years, Sainz admitted uncertainty:
“I don’t know if that will be ideal in four or eight years’ time, I’ll never say never, but right now, for sure, he’s not interested anymore.”
—Carlos Sainz, Williams driver
Context and Implications for Motorsport Leadership
Sainz Sr.’s decision not to enter the FIA presidential race reflects the complexities involved in such a position given current governance challenges and personal commitments in racing. With Mohammed Ben Sulayem expected to pursue a second term, the leadership landscape in motorsport remains largely unchanged for now.
Carlos Sainz Jr.’s remarks highlight a broader sentiment of respect for his father’s legacy and recognition of the difficulties in balancing competitive sport with high-level administrative ambitions. The episode underscores the tension many face when considering leadership roles in dynamic sporting organizations.
