Carlos Sainz Sr, the two-time World Rally champion and rally legend, is reportedly contemplating a run for FIA president in this year’s election, aiming to challenge the current officeholder, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, for a second term. This potential candidacy marks a significant development ahead of the governing body’s electoral process, signaling a competitive race that could reshape motorsport’s highest administration.
Often recognized by Formula 1 enthusiasts as the father of Williams driver Carlos Sainz Jr, Carlos Sainz Sr remains a highly active and influential figure in the rally-raid scene. Following a successful three-year stint with Audi that culminated in victory at the 2024 Dakar Rally, he is set to compete with Ford in the 2025 edition of the grueling event, maintaining his presence at the forefront of off-road motorsport.
Sainz’s journey in motorsport began in the 1980s after he abandoned his law studies to pursue racing full time. His early career was marked by dominance in Spain’s national rally championships driving for SEAT, before briefly exploring single-seater racing with support from Marlboro. His progress included reaching the quarter-finals of the 1983 Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch, which propelled him into the Formula Ford 2000 championship in the United Kingdom the following year.
After continuing to excel in national rallies, Sainz parted ways with SEAT to campaign a Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, backed by Ford’s Spanish division. This period yielded national championship titles in 1987 and 1988, as well as his initial entries into the World Rally Championship that began in 1987. Paired initially with co-driver Antonio Boto, Sainz secured respectable finishes in prominent rallies such as Corsica and Wales, featuring seventh and eighth places respectively.
The partnership most associated with Carlos Sainz Sr commenced in 1988 with co-driver Luis Moya. Together, they established a long-standing collaboration as Sainz took on a factory contract with Ford for select WRC events. Notable fifth-place finishes at Corsica and Sanremo, coupled with domination in Spain’s national rally championships, led to an opportunity with Toyota Team Europe under former driver Ove Andersson. In 1989, Sainz began driving the formidable Toyota Celica GT-Four.
Though initially hampered by four retirements early in the 1989 season, Sainz climbed to podium positions in Finland and Sanremo, coming close to his maiden WRC victory in Wales before mechanical issues altered the outcome. He ultimately secured his first championship win in 1990 and embarked on a title-winning campaign.
During the intense competition between Toyota and Lancia throughout the early 1990s, Sainz consistently participated in all events, unlike some rivals. His victory at the demanding Acropolis Rally in Greece was decisive, and he built a substantial lead in points over drivers such as Didier Auriol and Juha Kankkunen. Although Kankkunen clinched the 1991 title with Sainz as runner-up, Carlos secured his second championship with Toyota in 1992, surpassing Kankkunen by a ten-point margin.
In 1993, after Lancia ceased factory entries due to sponsorship conflicts—owing to Toyota’s association with Castrol clashing with Sainz’s Repsol backing—the Spaniard drove the Lancia Delta HF Integrale with the Jolly Club team. Performance that year was limited to one podium finish before he transitioned to Subaru for the 1994 and 1995 seasons. With the Prodrive-managed Subaru squad, Sainz finished runner-up to Auriol in 1994 and engaged in a fierce championship battle against teammate Colin McRae in 1995. Controversy arose during this period, notably concerning team orders favoring Sainz at Rally Catalunya, though McRae ultimately claimed the title.
Plans to return to Toyota in 1996 were thwarted when the team was banned for rule breaches involving its turbo restrictor plate. Instead, Sainz raced with Ford, piloting the Escort RS Cosworth to three wins and third-place finishes in consecutive seasons. His eventual return to Toyota saw him drive the Corolla, capturing the runner-up championship spot in 1998 behind Tommi Mäkinen, followed by a more challenging season in 1999.
Following Toyota’s withdrawal, Sainz rejoined McRae at Ford, where his victories became increasingly scarce—winning only twice in three years. He concluded his WRC career with Citroën, achieving his final rally victory at the 2004 Argentina event in the Xsara and capping his top-tier tenure with a podium at the 2005 Acropolis Rally in a limited campaign.
Over the past two decades, Carlos Sainz Sr has concentrated on rally-raid competitions, securing four Dakar Rally wins across different vehicles and formats. His most recent triumph arrived in 2024 with Audi’s RS Q e-tron, alongside co-driver Lucas Cruz. Beyond driving, Sainz’s team has participated in the Extreme E series, initially sharing duties with Laia Sanz before Mattias Ekström took over the driving role in 2023.
As a father, Carlos Sainz Sr plays an integral role in supporting the career of Carlos Sainz Jr, who has accumulated four Formula 1 race victories with Ferrari before moving to Williams for the 2025 season, following Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Maranello.
The prospect of Carlos Sainz Sr running for FIA president pits him against Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a familiar rival from their overlapping World Rally Championship days. Considering controversies that have surrounded the incumbent’s current term, there is speculation that Sainz’s candidacy could attract substantial backing from various automobile clubs eager for change, presenting a compelling alternative in this pivotal election.
If successful, Sainz’s presidency could bring a fresh perspective shaped by decades of competitive rallying experience, potentially influencing governance and policy direction across motor racing disciplines. The election outcome will be closely watched, carrying significant implications for the future of international motorsport regulation and development.
