Carlos Sainz Sr. has officially withdrawn from the race for the FIA presidency ahead of the elections scheduled for December. The former world rally champion cited the complexity of the role and his reluctance to take on such a significant responsibility at this time, amid concerns over balancing commitments to his rally career.

The FIA presidential elections will take place later this year, as the current president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, prepares to conclude his term. Sainz Sr., a two-time world rally champion, was seen as a potential strong contender given his extensive experience in motorsports. However, his candidacy faced scrutiny due to possible conflicts of interest, since his son, Carlos Sainz Jr., competes in Formula 1 with Williams Racing.

After months of speculation, the 63-year-old confirmed his decision not to pursue the FIA presidency in an official statement, explaining his hesitation and the challenging circumstances surrounding such a role.

“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. 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., former world rally champion

The announcement sparked mixed reactions among fans, many of whom expressed disappointment and suspicion about the reasons behind his withdrawal.

“Money won>>>>,” one fan remarked.

“Most likely pressured to step down,”

another fan asserted.

“This is unfortunate,” was a common sentiment shared by users.

Some followers had hoped Sainz Sr. would bring fresh leadership to the FIA, lamenting his decision to exit.

“Well, that’s super disappointing,” stated a user.

“Did Bennie threaten him? Why would he pull out?”

another fan questioned.

“Great…MBS being a dictator for the next 4 years,”

commented one more, referring to Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

With Carlos Sainz Sr. stepping back from the candidacy, Mohammed Ben Sulayem is positioned to seek another term as FIA president later this year.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem Responds Calmly to Carlos Sainz Sr.’s Planned Candidacy

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who assumed the FIA presidency in 2021, has faced his share of controversies and criticism over governance issues during his tenure. The potential challenge posed by Carlos Sainz Sr. seemed to add pressure to Sulayem’s bid for reelection.

Nonetheless, in an interview with Reuters last month, Sulayem appeared unfazed by the possibility of a strong opponent.

“Let him stand. That is democracy,”

Sulayem said, emphasizing the fairness of allowing candidates to compete.

He also expressed his desire to remain in the role to continue work on pending reforms within Formula 1 and related motorsport bodies. Despite the job’s stresses, Sulayem continues to have backing from most FIA members.

Significance and Outlook for FIA Leadership

Carlos Sainz Sr.’s exit from the FIA presidency race removes a major contender whose motorsport expertise and reputation could have altered the leadership landscape. His decision highlights the complexities and pressures inherent in managing an international governing body like the FIA, especially as overlapping family ties to current racing series raise questions of impartiality.

The apparent fan unrest and speculation over external pressures reflect broader unease within the motorsport community about the FIA’s direction under Sulayem’s administration. Should Sulayem secure reelection, the FIA is likely to continue its current trajectory, while critics remain wary of the lack of fresh voices in leadership.

The coming months will reveal how the FIA balances calls for transparency and reform with the challenges of governance in one of the world’s most high-profile sports organizations.