Carlos Sainz Snr has reportedly gained widespread support in a sudden bid to challenge Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the FIA presidency, with elections scheduled for December 12 during the FIA general assembly in Uzbekistan. The news, sparked by Sky Sports News, suggests that several leaders from FIA-sanctioned series are rallying behind Sainz Snr as an alternative to the current president, raising the stakes for what is expected to be a tense and high-profile election.
Ben Sulayem, who took office in late 2021 after succeeding Jean Todt, has experienced a turbulent first term marked by controversy and governance issues within the FIA. His tenure has seen notable resignations, including Robert Reid’s departure in April from the deputy president for sport role, citing what he called
“a fundamental breakdown in governance standards within motorsport’s global governing body.”
Reid emphasized his commitment to serve the FIA members instead of “power,” while criticizing how decisions were increasingly made behind closed doors, undermining FIA’s core structures and values.
The president’s term has also been clouded by past controversial remarks resurfacing, notably comments on women from his old website that provoked backlash in 2023. Additionally, a whistleblower accused Ben Sulayem of deliberately obstructing the approval of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, which nonetheless proceeded to host the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix debut, and of influencing a penalty reversal for Fernando Alonso during the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix—claims the FIA officially dismissed.
Ben Sulayem’s frequent public statements have further fueled tensions, such as his dismissal of Formula 1’s rumored £16.2 billion valuation as “inflated,” which was met with displeasure from Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder. More recently, his enforcement of fines and possible bans related to swearing during events has stirred unrest among drivers and teams, complicating the FIA’s relationship with its competitors.
One prominent incident involved Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time F1 World Champion, who was the first to be penalized for swearing during a press conference at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. His punishment involved community service-like requirements, foreshadowing new regulations being added to the FIA’s International Sporting Code this winter that will expand stewards’ powers to impose such penalties. Meanwhile, the World Rally Championship (WRC) drivers staged a protest in Kenya after Adrien Fourmaux was fined €10,000, with an additional €20,000 suspended, for similar behavior. This fine triggered a stage-end interview boycott, reflecting deep frustration over what they deemed insufficient communication from Ben Sulayem and the FIA.
The political climate surrounding Ben Sulayem’s leadership has intensified calls for greater driver involvement in F1 governance. Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton has publicly demanded
“a power seat at the table”
for drivers, underscoring widespread concern over how decisions are made at the top levels of the sport.
Amid these developments, Carlos Sainz Snr’s potential presidency challenge carries added intrigue due to his family’s involvement in Formula 1, with his son Carlos Sainz Jnr currently racing for Williams. Despite possible questions around conflicts of interest, sources via Sky Sports News indicate that F1 teams do not foresee significant issues, expecting that Sainz Snr would delegate appropriately to avoid overlaps.
This unexpected bid suggests a serious attempt to disrupt the current FIA leadership and possibly redefine the organization’s trajectory. If Carlos Sainz Snr secures the presidency, it could signal a shift towards addressing transparency concerns and restoring confidence among stakeholders. Candidates like him, backed by influential FIA series bosses, reflect growing unrest within motorsport’s global governance and a desire for reform.
As the December election approaches, the sporting world watches with anticipation and unease, aware that the outcome could reshape the foundations of motorsport governance. The results will not only determine who leads the FIA next but may also influence how power is distributed among drivers, teams, and officials in the fragile ecosystem of international racing.
