Rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr , a towering figure in motorsport, is seriously considering a bid to become the next president of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). With elections set for December 12 in Uzbekistan, the two-time World Rally Champion and four-time Dakar Rally winner may challenge the embattled incumbent, Mohammed Ben Sulayem . The 63-year-old Spaniard has expressed a strong sense of duty to give back to a sport that has shaped his life and legacy.
FIA presidency race heats up with Carlos Sainz Sr reportedly entering the 2025 contest
“This possibility has been in my mind for some time now, not very deeply, but now I think it could be the right time in my career for me to take the step,” Sainz said in a statement to Motorsport.com. “I’m confident I can do a good job and put together an excellent team to give back to the sport part of what it has given me.”
Sainz’s credentials make him a serious contender. With over four decades of elite racing experience and a reputation for professionalism and integrity, his potential candidacy has already started generating buzz among insiders. According to sources close to the matter, Sainz is in the process of evaluating the level of support he might receive from the global motorsport community before making an official declaration.
Importantly, he addressed concerns about a potential conflict of interest due to his son, Carlos Sainz Jr., who currently races in Formula 1 for Williams.
“I have my track record and people know me well enough to understand that this will not be an issue,” Sainz Sr said. “Obviously, I will have to step down regarding my role with Carlos and his career but this is not an issue at all. He’s not a child any more… The FIA is a very serious entity and there will be no conflict.”
If he formally enters the race, Sainz would be taking on Mohammed Ben Sulayem, whose leadership since 2021 has faced increasing scrutiny. Although Ben Sulayem has yet to officially confirm his re-election bid, he is widely expected to run again. His tenure has been marked by governance-related controversies, high-profile resignations, and allegations of interference in race operations.
The recent resignation of FIA deputy president for sport Robert Reid, citing "a fundamental breakdown in governance standards," followed the earlier exits of compliance officer Paolo Basarri and audit committee members Bertrand Badre and Tom Purves. Former FIA CEO Natalie Robyn also broke her silence last year, stating that "professional processes are not adhered to and stakeholders are excluded from decision-making."
These internal shake-ups have rattled confidence in the FIA’s leadership, creating an opening for a reform-minded figure like Sainz. His emphasis on collaboration and transparency could be a welcome change, particularly among drivers. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), led by George Russell, has recently voiced its dissatisfaction with the FIA’s punitive measures on language and public criticism. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has advocated for increased driver influence in governance, saying drivers should hold “a power seat at the table.”
Sainz reportedly supports a more inclusive approach and is keen on empowering drivers and teams through greater involvement in rule-making and strategic decisions. His longstanding experience and diplomatic demeanor could provide the stability and forward-thinking vision the FIA is currently lacking.
As December approaches, the motorsport world waits in anticipation. Whether Sainz officially enters the race or not, his potential candidacy alone has already begun to reshape the conversation around the future leadership of motorsport’s most powerful governing body.
Also Read: Is F1 the endgame for Lando Norris? McLaren driver shares thoughts on what's next
FIA presidency race heats up with Carlos Sainz Sr reportedly entering the 2025 contest
“This possibility has been in my mind for some time now, not very deeply, but now I think it could be the right time in my career for me to take the step,” Sainz said in a statement to Motorsport.com. “I’m confident I can do a good job and put together an excellent team to give back to the sport part of what it has given me.”
Sainz’s credentials make him a serious contender. With over four decades of elite racing experience and a reputation for professionalism and integrity, his potential candidacy has already started generating buzz among insiders. According to sources close to the matter, Sainz is in the process of evaluating the level of support he might receive from the global motorsport community before making an official declaration.
Importantly, he addressed concerns about a potential conflict of interest due to his son, Carlos Sainz Jr., who currently races in Formula 1 for Williams.
“I have my track record and people know me well enough to understand that this will not be an issue,” Sainz Sr said. “Obviously, I will have to step down regarding my role with Carlos and his career but this is not an issue at all. He’s not a child any more… The FIA is a very serious entity and there will be no conflict.”
If he formally enters the race, Sainz would be taking on Mohammed Ben Sulayem, whose leadership since 2021 has faced increasing scrutiny. Although Ben Sulayem has yet to officially confirm his re-election bid, he is widely expected to run again. His tenure has been marked by governance-related controversies, high-profile resignations, and allegations of interference in race operations.
The recent resignation of FIA deputy president for sport Robert Reid, citing "a fundamental breakdown in governance standards," followed the earlier exits of compliance officer Paolo Basarri and audit committee members Bertrand Badre and Tom Purves. Former FIA CEO Natalie Robyn also broke her silence last year, stating that "professional processes are not adhered to and stakeholders are excluded from decision-making."
These internal shake-ups have rattled confidence in the FIA’s leadership, creating an opening for a reform-minded figure like Sainz. His emphasis on collaboration and transparency could be a welcome change, particularly among drivers. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), led by George Russell, has recently voiced its dissatisfaction with the FIA’s punitive measures on language and public criticism. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has advocated for increased driver influence in governance, saying drivers should hold “a power seat at the table.”
Sainz reportedly supports a more inclusive approach and is keen on empowering drivers and teams through greater involvement in rule-making and strategic decisions. His longstanding experience and diplomatic demeanor could provide the stability and forward-thinking vision the FIA is currently lacking.
As December approaches, the motorsport world waits in anticipation. Whether Sainz officially enters the race or not, his potential candidacy alone has already begun to reshape the conversation around the future leadership of motorsport’s most powerful governing body.
Also Read: Is F1 the endgame for Lando Norris? McLaren driver shares thoughts on what's next
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