Carlos Sainz Sr, the two-time World Rally champion and Dakar Rally 2024 winner, has announced that he is seriously considering a run for FIA president, declaring that “now is the right time” to lead the governing body of motorsport. Speaking exclusively to Autosport, Sainz revealed he is currently gauging support within the motorsport community as the next FIA presidential election approaches, set for 12 December in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem is expected to seek a second term, though no other candidates have officially declared their intentions.
For many years, Sainz Sr has contemplated the possibility of heading the FIA, but he admits this is the first time he’s seriously thought about making a formal bid.
“There are plenty of reasons, but I have been driving for more than 40 years and this sport has given me everything,”
he stated. His extensive experience behind the wheel and in the motorsport world has shaped his belief that now is an opportune moment in his career to step up.
“I’m confident I can do a good job and put together an excellent team to give back to the sport part of what it has given me,”
he added, emphasizing his readiness to contribute meaningfully.
Sainz’s passion for motorsport has never waned, and he is convinced that his accumulated expertise can bring fresh ideas and stability to the sport.
“I have accumulated a lot of experience in this sport throughout the years and I’m certain I can bring new and interesting things, to strengthen and develop the sport and the automobile world,”
he explained. His aim would be to enhance the sport’s foundations while fostering growth and innovation across the various disciplines that fall under the FIA’s jurisdiction.
One delicate matter Sainz addressed was the potential conflict of interest regarding his son, Carlos Sainz Jr, a Formula 1 driver for Williams. When questioned on this point, the senior Sainz was clear and assertive.
“I have my track record and people know me well enough to understand that this will not be an issue,”
he said firmly. He confirmed that if he pursues the presidency, he would step away from any involvement in his son’s career to maintain impartiality.
“He’s not a child anymore, he has been in F1 for a decade now and we both know that if I go ahead with this project our relationship will change, of course. The FIA is a very serious entity and there will be no conflict.”
With the world of motorsport watching closely, Sainz Sr understands the gravity of the position. When asked what qualities he would bring to the job, he described his approach as professional, serious, and straightforward, grounded in a solid track record.
“Well, everybody has his own way of running [an organisation], his own beliefs on what is best and his own way of understanding this sport and the world of mobility,”
he said.
“I think my track record shows that when I’m committed to something I only know one way to do things, which is professionally, seriously and straightforward. Then it will be up to the community to decide.”
The FIA has faced considerable turbulence in recent years, including strained relations with Formula 1 and controversies surrounding the current president’s term. Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been under scrutiny for allegedly influencing race outcomes, imposing restrictions such as a ban on swearing, and dealing with a significant exodus of senior executives from the organisation. Despite this, Sainz Sr declined to comment directly on Ben Sulayem’s tenure, saying,
“I think obviously lately there has been some controversy, but I want to concentrate on myself. I leave the judgment to others.”
Sainz emphasized that his motivation is rooted firmly in passion and dedication to the sport, not conflict or rivalry.
“If I do this [run for president] it will not be to fight anyone, it will be out of passion and love for motorsport, because I believe I can help and improve certain things. I believe it is probably the right time for me personally and professionally, and that is why I am considering it.”
Drawing from his vast career as a driver, Sainz Sr stressed the importance of listening closely to all stakeholders within the sport — from drivers and teams to fans, organisers, promoters, manufacturers, and social platforms.
“I have been on the other side of motorsport and I know how important it is to listen to everybody – drivers, teams, fans, organisers, promoters, social, manufacturers. I truly think I can make that relationship much smoother and stronger,”
he said. His vision for the FIA is to transform it into an entity that is deeply respected and appreciated across all sectors.
The decision now lies in the level of support Carlos Sainz Sr will gather from the motorsport community before he formally announces his candidacy. Given his commitment and extensive background, his potential run adds a significant new chapter to the upcoming FIA presidential election, highlighting how leadership in global motorsport could pivot dramatically. The outcome will no doubt influence the direction of the sport for years to come, as Sainz Sr positions himself as a passionate advocate ready to bring experience, integrity, and fresh perspectives to the helm of the FIA.
