Two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz Sr is reportedly considering challenging the current FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, in the upcoming December election.
The 63-year-old racing veteran, father of Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz, is understood to have garnered significant support from executives across the various motorsport categories governed by the FIA.
Sainz himself recently confirmed that he is contemplating submitting his candidacy for the role.
“There are many reasons. I`ve been involved in this sport for over 40 years, and it has given me so much,” he stated. “The idea of becoming president has been on my mind for a while, though not intensely. Now, however, feels like the appropriate moment in my career to take this step.”
He added, “I am confident I can perform well and assemble a superb team to give back to the sport something of what it has given me. I`ve gained extensive experience in motorsport over the years, and I am sure I can introduce fresh and valuable ideas to strengthen and advance the sport and the automotive world.”
Concerns about a potential conflict of interest regarding Sainz overseeing a sport where his son competes are not widely anticipated. It is expected that he would delegate any matters directly impacting the competitive landscape.
A senior figure from a top F1 team commented that Sainz`s “unblemished” record for personal integrity would alleviate any such worries, considering him a “highly credible candidate.”
Addressing the potential conflict, Sainz commented: “My history speaks for itself, and people know me well enough to understand this wouldn`t be an issue. Clearly, I would need to step back from my involvement in Carlos`s career, but that presents no problem at all,” he stated. “He`s no longer a child; he`s been in F1 for a decade now. We both understand that if I pursue this project, our relationship will naturally change. The FIA is a very serious organization, and there would be no conflict,” he affirmed.
While Sainz appears to have support among prominent motorsport figures, winning the election requires securing votes from FIA members, many of whom reportedly still favor Ben Sulayem.
Ben Sulayem, elected president in late 2021, has presided over a term marked by controversy but intends to seek re-election. The organization has seen significant departures in senior positions, including the recent resignation of Deputy President for Sport, Robert Reid, reportedly citing concerns about governance direction under Ben Sulayem.
Ben Sulayem has also been in disagreement with drivers from various categories regarding his implementation of stricter penalties and fines for misconduct, such as swearing.
Last week, Grand Prix Drivers` Association director George Russell publicly urged Ben Sulayem to act on his previous statement about “considering” updates to the misconduct rules. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton emphasized the need for drivers to have a significant voice (“a power seat at the table”) in how the sport is governed.
Sainz Sr is reportedly eager to collaborate closely with drivers and grant the GPDA more influence over the sport`s regulations.
The presidential election is scheduled to take place at the next FIA general assembly on December 12 in Uzbekistan.
Marcus Prine