The FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is reportedly pushing through important amendments to the motorsport governing body’s statutes, which threaten to block Carlos Sainz Sr’s candidacy in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for December. These changes, expected to be voted on at next month’s FIA General Assembly, include moving the deadline for candidates to declare their interest earlier, significantly limiting the time available for Sainz to gain support from member clubs should he decide to run. This development arises shortly after Motorsport.com revealed that Carlos Sainz Sr was considering standing in the election, stirring controversy within the FIA community.
Among the proposed revisions, a critical clause would require candidates to have no record calling into question their professional integrity. This new stipulation, highlighted by the BBC, further complicates Carlos Sainz Sr’s campaign due to his connection as the father of Williams Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz. The FIA’s code of ethics insists all parties
“shall avoid any conflicts of interest and must disclose any situation that could lead to such a conflict,”
potentially putting Sainz’s bid under ethical scrutiny. If the FIA ethics committee interprets this as a disqualifying conflict, his presidential ambitions could be directly thwarted.
The FIA claims these amendments are intended
“to ensure consistency between terms of office and group these elections together,”
but critics argue the timing and nature of the changes appear deliberately aimed at sidelining competition. This situation has generated tension and unease among motorsport insiders who question the fairness and transparency of the election process under Ben Sulayem’s leadership.
On Tuesday, James Vowles, the Williams team principal, voiced support for Carlos Sainz Sr’s potential run, saying he believed the Spaniard “would be a good fit” for the FIA presidency. Despite this endorsement, the evolving regulations cast uncertainty on whether Sainz can mount an effective campaign or if the FIA’s internal politics will ultimately prevent his bid.
These developments could shape the future governance of global motorsport, as the FIA presidency holds significant influence over racing regulations and industry direction. If Carlos Sainz Sr is barred from running, it may signal a consolidation of power by the incumbent, intensifying calls for greater transparency and fairness in the FIA election process. The motorsport world now watches closely, awaiting the General Assembly’s vote and the final outcome of Carlos Sainz Sr’s contested candidacy.
