Carlos Sainz Sr could challenge Ben Sulayem for the presidency of the FIA

According to Autosport.com, Carlos Sainz Sr., double world rally champion and Dakar winner, is seriously considering running against Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the upcoming FIA presidential elections. The site reports that several important figures in the motorsport world have approached Sainz to encourage him to enter the race.

The 63-year-old former driver, father of Formula 1 Williams driver Carlos Sainz Jr, is considering this possibility as the current presidency goes through a tumultuous period. According to sources close to the matter, Sainz wants to present a positive and constructive program to offer the FIA delegates an alternative in the presidential election.

The next general assembly, which will also mark the next presidential election, will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on December 12. Ben Sulayem, also 63 years old and a former rally driver himself, was elected at the end of 2021, succeeding Jean Todt, who had held the presidency for 12 years.

A presidency marked by crises

Since his arrival at the head of the FIA at the end of 2021, Ben Sulayem has accumulated missteps. A troubled path that has gradually undermined his authority. The internal rebellion has reached unprecedented proportions in recent months. David Richards, president of Motorsport UK, did not hold back in his letter to the members of his association: A shift in moral compass and a concentration of power that pushed this former supporter to consider legal action against the FIA. Unprecedented.

The shockwave intensified with the sudden departure of Robert Reid, the vice-president for sport of the FIA, last month. Elected alongside Ben Sulayem, this loyal lieutenant threw in the towel, exasperated by decisions made behind closed doors, particularly regarding the takeover of the rallycross championship and a continuous erosion of the principles he thought he was defending when taking office.

To these internal conflicts are added embarrassing matters. Indeed, other controversies include the ban on swearing for drivers, an investigation for interference in a Grand Prix result in 2024 that cast doubt on its impartiality, before he was cleared. Not to mention the resurgence of his misogynistic writings where he stated he did not appreciate women who believe they are smarter than men. Statements from another era that cling to the skin of a president perceived as disconnected from the current standards of motorsport.

The alliance game is taking shape

However, Ben Sulayem still has some solid support within motorsport. The recent appointment of Malcolm Wilson as vice-president of sports, replacing Reid, proves that he can still rally important figures in the field. Wilson, a British rally champion and head of M-Sport for three decades, brings undeniable legitimacy to the management team. But this alliance raises questions, particularly due to the historical ties between Wilson and Ford, a manufacturer preparing its return to F1 as a partner of Red Bull from 2026. This closeness could influence certain technical issues and create areas of uncertainty in the arbitration of future regulations.

More recently, the FIA announced the surprise return of Shaila-Ann Rao as Presidential Advisor. A particularly unexpected appointment given that relations between Rao and Ben Sulayem had been tense in the past.

Rao, who had been the legal director of the FIA between 2016 and 2018, then interim secretary general for motorsport in 2022, had previously worked for Mercedes. Her departure at the end of 2022 was followed by reports suggesting that she had accused Ben Sulayem of inappropriate behavior.

In an official statement released last week, Ben Sulayem said: « I am delighted to welcome Shaila-Ann Rao back to the FIA. She has an exceptional track record in global motorsport and will be a valuable asset to me and my team as we continue to improve regulatory and commercial frameworks across all FIA world championships. » This return raises questions, particularly about internal alliances, just months before the presidential election.

The Sainz Jr. Dilemma: A Conflict of Interest on the Horizon?

The potential candidacy of Sainz Sr. raises a delicate question about his son, Carlos Sainz Jr., a Williams driver in Formula 1. Indeed, if Sainz Sr. were to win the election, how would he handle decisions involving his son? The FIA oversees sporting regulations, sanctions, and even team conflicts. Could a father at its helm influence decisions in favor of Sainz Jr.? These questions remain unanswered for now.

The FIA has mechanisms to manage conflicts of interest. However, such a direct relationship between the president of the drivers’ commission and an active driver, who is also his son, would put the institution in uncharted territory. Carlos Sainz Sr. would likely need to refrain from participating in discussions directly involving his son, but the line could prove to be blurry.

Other candidates in preparation

Sainz Sr. would not be the only one considering challenging Ben Sulayem. Other figures in motorsport are expected to emerge in the coming months to run against the current president. Rumors had also circulated about a possible candidacy from Susie Wolff, CEO of the F1 Academy, but these were denied.

The election on December 12 will undoubtedly mark an important turning point for the FIA, with direct consequences on its institutional future and the dynamic of its collaborations, particularly the one maintained with the Formula 1 stakeholders.