Potential FIA Presidential Candidate Emerges

IMOLA, Italy — In recent months, speculation has been growing in the Formula One community about a notable candidate potentially vying for the presidency of the sport’s governing body.

Current Presidency Context

The current FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, is facing re-election at the end of the year. His tenure, which began in late 2021, has been marked by controversy. Just last month, Robert Reid, the FIA’s deputy president for sport, resigned, citing a “crisis” within the organization.

Rumors of a Challenge Surface

Initial rumors about Susie Wolff, managing director of F1 Academy, running against Ben Sulayem proved unfounded. However, the recent talk of Carlos Sainz Sr., a rally legend and father of driver Carlos Sainz Jr., considering a run sparked considerable interest during the media day leading up to the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

Insights from Carlos Sainz Sr.

Sainz Sr. shared his reflections about a potential presidential candidacy during a recent interview with Motorsport.com. He expressed that he is evaluating the level of support he would receive from the motorsport community, emphasizing the importance of timing for such a decision.

A Path to Candidacy

The idea of running for FIA president has lingered for Sainz Sr. for several years. With increasing encouragement from others in the motorsport world, he is now seriously contemplating the opportunity, as shared by his son, Sainz Jr.

Experience and Community Support

With a storied history in motorsport, including four Dakar Rally victories and having won the World Rally Championship in 1990 and 1992, Sainz Sr. is well-equipped for the role. He also has a strong understanding of key FIA issues, such as road safety, through his work with Ponle Freno in Spain.

Challenges Ahead

Despite gaining support in the F1 paddock, the votes for the FIA presidency are cast by national motorsport clubs globally. Ben Sulayem, who won 61.62 percent of the votes in the previous election, still maintains solid backing among many ASNs. Additionally, candidates must navigate various requirements and obstacles to even be eligible, including securing endorsements from senior FIA officials.

Conclusion

If he proceeds to run, Sainz Sr. could significantly impact the FIA and bring a fresh perspective, particularly amid ongoing questions about the current leadership. His respected status in the motorsport community may lead to an intriguing election landscape as the December vote approaches.