Carlos Sainz Sr. weighs bid to replace Mohammed Ben Sulayem

A potential shake-up could be looming at the FIA presidency, as Carlos Sainz Sr. is reportedly considering a candidacy against current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. According to Motorsport, the former rally world champion and Dakar winner has been approached by several prominent motorsport figures who have encouraged him to run. Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s current term is set to end later this year.

Carlos Sainz Sr., father of Williams driver Carlos Sainz, is said to be seriously considering the proposal. Sources close to him suggest that if he accepts, it would be to “present a positive and constructive program” and offer FIA delegates an alternative in the upcoming presidential elections.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem was elected at the end of 2021, replacing Jean Todt, who served for 12 years. In recent weeks, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been at the center of multiple controversies that have cast doubt on his leadership.

Several key figures have left the FIA recently. Among them is Robert Reid, Vice President for Sport, who accused the body of a “fundamental collapse of governance standards” and of making “critical decisions without due process.”

The next General Assembly, along with the presidential elections, will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on December 12, 2025.

In recent months, Susie Wolff was also floated as a potential candidate, though she has dismissed the speculation and confirmed her intention to focus on her role as managing director of the F1 Academy. Mohammed Ben Sulayem has become an increasingly controversial figure in motorsport. Following a wave of departures, he has been criticized for a crackdown on drivers’ use of profanity.

In protest, the rallying world has refused to give interviews in English, while F1 drivers responded with an open letter to the FIA, demanding to be treated like adults.

May 7, 2025David Carter

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