As the FIA presidency election approaches, Carlos Sainz Sr. emerges as a strong contender, challenging current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
- Sainz Sr. reportedly garners extensive support from key figures across FIA-sanctioned series, boosting his candidacy.
- Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s tenure as president has faced notable controversies and allegations, raising questions about his leadership.
- Despite these challenges, Ben Sulayem is expected to seek re-election in December’s general assembly in Uzbekistan.
- Meanwhile, concerns over governance and decision-making processes fuel the call for change within the FIA.
The motorsport world is abuzz as Carlos Sainz Sr. steps into the spotlight, potentially vying for the role of FIA president. With many in the industry supporting Sainz Sr., his challenge to Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s leadership comes as no small feat. This development, highlighted by Sky Sports News, points to the widespread backing Sainz Sr. has garnered among bosses of various FIA-endorsed series.
Ben Sulayem, who ascended to the presidency role in late 2021, is now preparing for the upcoming elections scheduled for December 12 at the FIA general assembly in Uzbekistan. Initially succeeding former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt, Ben Sulayem’s leadership journey hasn’t been without significant hurdles. Notable departures like Robert Reid, the former FIA deputy president for sport, have marked his term. Reid cited a ‘fundamental breakdown’ in governance standards and criticized decisions made outside of established structures as reasons for his exit.
Furthermore, Ben Sulayem has been embroiled in disputes due to archived controversial comments on women from his old website and accusations related to the Las Vegas Strip Circuit and Fernando Alonso’s 2023 penalty. While the FIA dismissed some of these accusations, the controversies have nonetheless left their mark on his presidency.
In another point of contention, Ben Sulayem’s comments on the ‘inflated’ valuation of Formula 1 clashed with Liberty Media, adding to his list of challenges. Most recently, his strict penalties attached to swearing, highlighted by a fine on Adrien Fourmaux and enforced apologies from drivers like Max Verstappen, have stirred even more discourse within the community.
As the election draws near, questions surrounding the FIA’s governance and decision-making processes continue to surface, paving the way for new leadership considerations like that of Sainz Sr. Despite the potential connection, reports suggest that Sainz Sr.’s family ties to current F1 racer Carlos Sainz Jr. won’t pose conflict of interest concerns, as duties can be delegated accordingly.
As the FIA heads towards a pivotal election, the emergence of Carlos Sainz Sr. as a potential leader signifies a call for transformation amidst ongoing challenges.
