Carlos Sainz Sr, the two-time World Rally Championship winner, has officially announced he will not run against Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the FIA presidency later this year. This decision ends speculation about Sainz’s candidacy and leaves Ben Sulayem likely to secure another term without opposition.
The Spaniard had been contemplating a bid to replace Ben Sulayem, the current FIA president, whose tenure since 2021 has been fraught with controversy. Despite initial interest in entering the race, Sainz has cited the current situation within the FIA and his Dakar rally commitments as key reasons for stepping back.
Reasons Behind Sainz’s Decision to Withdraw from the Election
Earlier this year, Autosport reported that Sainz was considering a campaign to challenge Ben Sulayem. However, a letter signed by 36 race clubs recently expressed strong support for Ben Sulayem, adding pressure to the dynamics of the election. Additionally, the FIA’s environment has been unsettled by recent events, including the redundancy of Sara Mariani, the director of sustainability, diversity, and inclusion.
In an open letter posted on social media, Carlos Sainz explained,
“Hi everyone, this message is to publicly confirm that I have finally decided not to run for the presidency of the FIA in this year’s election.”
He reflected on the complexities of the role, adding,
“I have worked hard these past months to understand in depth the situation at the FIA and the demands and complexities that come with such an important project. After a thoughtful reflection, I have come to the conclusion that the present circumstances are not ideal to set the grounds for my candidacy.”
—Carlos Sainz Sr.
Sainz also emphasized that pursuing the presidency would conflict with his preparation for the upcoming Dakar rally, stating,
“Furthermore, I have realised that properly running for President would notably compromise my preparation for the Dakar and I do not wish to weaken my commitment to Ford and my team.”
Despite his withdrawal, Sainz remains committed to the motorsport community and the need for change within the FIA. He expressed hope for future improvements:
“Despite stepping down from this race, my passion for serving and leading within the Motorsport world hasn’t changed and I still believe the organisation needs important changes, which I remain genuinely hopeful that will be tackled in the upcoming years.”
Sainz’s Continued Dedication to Motorsport and Road Mobility
Carlos Sainz reaffirmed his lifelong dedication to both racing and mobility issues, highlighting his ongoing engagement with the sport.
“Both racing and mobility have been my life and I will closely follow future developments with great interest. I will always support my sport and try to contribute in all meaningful ways to improve mobility for road users around the world.”
He also expressed gratitude to his supporters, noting,
“Finally, I want to sincerely thank you all for the messages of support, encouragement and advice I have received during the past weeks. They have reinforced my confidence to continue striving towards my present and future goals and I’m truly grateful. Thank you.”
—Carlos Sainz Sr.
Implications of an Uncontested FIA Presidency and Future Outlook
With Carlos Sainz stepping aside, Mohammed Ben Sulayem is poised to continue as FIA president without a challenger in the upcoming election. Ben Sulayem’s leadership since 2021 has been marked by significant contention, including several high-profile departures from FIA governance and controversial policies such as banning swearing by drivers and restricting member attendance at meetings.
As this election approaches, the FIA and broader motorsport community await how Ben Sulayem’s term will proceed amid ongoing calls for organizational reform and enhanced focus on sustainability and diversity. The absence of a competitive race may influence the pace and nature of these changes, while figures like Carlos Sainz continue to advocate for progress from outside the presidency.