Carlos Sainz Sr, a two-time World Rally champion, has emerged as a potential contender to challenge the current FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, in the upcoming election scheduled for December.
The 63-year-old Spanish racing veteran, father of Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz, appears to be the notable figure whose candidacy has been speculated for some time. Reports suggest he has significant support from executives across the various motorsport disciplines governed by the FIA.
Confirming his intentions to Autosport on Wednesday, Sainz stated he is considering putting himself forward for the role.
“There are many reasons, but having raced for over 40 years, this sport has given me everything,” he said. “This possibility [of being president] has been on my mind for a while, not extensively, but now I believe it might be the right moment in my career to take this step. I am confident I can perform well and assemble a strong team to contribute back to the sport that has given me so much.”
He added, “I`ve gained significant experience in motorsport over the years and am certain I can introduce novel and valuable ideas to strengthen and advance both the sport and the automotive sector.”
Regarding potential concerns about a conflict of interest given his son`s participation in Formula 1, Sainz is expected to be able to delegate any matters directly impacting competitive results. A senior figure at a leading F1 team reportedly described Sainz`s record as “irreproachable” in terms of personal integrity, dismissing any worries and considering him a “very plausible candidate.”
Sainz himself addressed this, stating, “I have my record, and people know me well enough to understand this won`t be a problem. Naturally, I would need to withdraw from my current involvement with Carlos and his career, but this is not an issue whatsoever,” he said. “He`s no longer a child; he`s been in F1 for ten years, and we both recognize that if I pursue this, our relationship will naturally change.” He concluded, “The FIA is a very serious organization, and there will be no conflict.”
While Sainz appears to have support from key motorsport figures, winning the election will require securing votes from FIA members, many of whom are believed to still favor Ben Sulayem.
Ben Sulayem, elected president at the end of 2021, has faced a controversial tenure but is reportedly keen on a second term. His time in charge has seen significant turnover in senior roles within the organization, including the recent resignation of Deputy President for Sport Robert Reid, who cited concerns over the direction of governance under Ben Sulayem`s leadership.
The current president has also been involved in disagreements with drivers across various series, particularly regarding his policy of imposing stricter fines and penalties for foul language and other misconduct.
Last week, George Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers` Association, urged Ben Sulayem to follow through on his statement that he was “considering” revising the misconduct rules again. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton also stressed the need for drivers to have a “significant voice” in decisions concerning the sport`s governance.
Sainz Sr is reportedly interested in fostering collaboration with drivers and giving the GDPA more influence over the sport`s regulations.
The presidential election is scheduled to take place at the next FIA general assembly in Uzbekistan on December 12.
Gilbert Pendleton