Carlos Sainz Sr is seriously considering launching a campaign to run against Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the upcoming election for FIA president, a move that could shake up the governing body of motorsport. Sources close to the former World Rally champion and Dakar winner revealed that several influential figures within the motorsport community have encouraged Sainz to challenge Ben Sulayem, whose leadership has faced multiple controversies since taking office in late 2021. As the FIA prepares for its presidential election later this year, though no official date has been set, the possibility of Sainz stepping into the race offers delegates a significant alternative to the current president’s tenure.
The 63-year-old Carlos Sainz Sr, who is also known as the father of Williams Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz, would presumably present a positive and constructive program aimed at restoring faith in the FIA’s governance. Ben Sulayem, also 63 and a former rally driver himself, succeeded Jean Todt, who led the FIA for 12 years before stepping down in 2021. The decision to stand might come as a response to growing dissatisfaction among FIA members, especially as Ben Sulayem’s presidency has been marred by conflicts and governance challenges that many believe have undermined the body’s transparency and integrity.
Among the most troubling developments, Robert Reid, the FIA’s deputy president for sport, resigned last month citing
“a fundamental breakdown in governance standards”
and criticizing what he described as
“critical decisions being made without due process.”
Earlier in the year, a number of FIA members were barred from attending a World Council meeting after refusing to sign a non-disclosure agreement; Reid, along with David Richards—the UK’s FIA representative—were among those excluded. Richards later penned an open letter expressing serious concerns about the direction the FIA has taken under Ben Sulayem.
“The governance and constitutional organisation of the FIA is becoming ever more opaque and concentrating power in the hands of the president alone,”
Richards stated, warning that
“we cannot allow a shift of the moral compass of our leadership to simply dismiss any request for transparency and open discourse.”
Ben Sulayem’s term has also created tension between the FIA and drivers. The president’s controversial ban on swearing led rally drivers to boycott interviews conducted in English, while Formula 1 drivers collectively issued an open letter demanding to be treated with more respect and maturity. Additionally, he has faced allegations regarding possible interference in race outcomes, although he was later cleared of wrongdoing. His social media commentary on the value of Formula 1 drew legal pushback from F1 lawyers, and historical statements surfaced portraying him in a misogynistic light, further damaging his reputation.
At the end of 2023, Ben Sulayem oversaw the launch of a compliance inquiry into Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and his wife, Susie Wolff, over suspected conflicts of interest. This investigation was swiftly withdrawn after the other nine Formula 1 teams publicly stated they had no concerns, and legal proceedings against the FIA are now ongoing in connection to the episode. Earlier speculation that Susie Wolff might run for FIA president was dismissed, but more contenders are expected to emerge as the election approaches.
If Carlos Sainz Sr enters the race, it would mark a significant challenge to Ben Sulayem’s presidency and potentially signal a shift toward greater accountability and reform within the FIA. With frustrations mounting among key figures in motorsport and a falling confidence in the current leadership, Sainz’s campaign could galvanize support for a renewed vision for the future. Motorsport insiders will be watching closely, as the election could redefine how the sport’s global governing body is managed, with potentially far-reaching consequences for Formula 1, rallying, and the broader racing world.
