Could Carlos Sainz Sr become the new FIA President in December 2025, following in the footsteps of Mohammed Ben Sulayem?
FIA – Presidency and election
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a former Emirati racing driver, has been FIA President since December 2021, replacing Jean Todt. The FIA, F1’s sport’s governing body, holds presidential elections every four years at its General Assembly. This year it will be hosted in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on December 12.
Under Ben Sulayem, the FIA has extended its strict penalties, negatively impacting drivers and fans. The FIA fined Carlos Sainz Jr €10,000 at Suzuka for being slightly late for the national anthem.
This year, the FIA introduced a rule allowing fines for drivers who swear and act in a manner deemed disrespectful towards the FIA.
Consideration because of his history in the motorsports world
Carlos Sainz Sr, 63, father of Carlos Sainz Jr, has been a rally driver since 1980. He became Spanish rally champion in 1987 and won the world championship twice.
In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com Sainz Sr has confirmed he is considering running for the FIA Presidency.
“There are plenty of reasons, but I have been driving for more than 40 years and this sport has given me everything,” he said.
“This possibility [of being president] 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. 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.
“I have accumulated a lot of experience in this sport throughout the years and I’m certain I can bring new and interesting things, to strengthen and develop the sport and the automobile world.”
A conflict of interest for Carlos Sr as FIA President in 2025?
He assured that his relationship with his son would not create a conflict of interest in his son’s F1 career. However, he acknowledged that the project would undoubtedly alter their relationship.
“I have my track record and people know me well enough to understand that this will not be an issue. Obviously, I will have to step down regarding my role with Carlos and his career but this is not an issue at all,” he ensured.
“He’s not a child anymore, he has been in F1 for a decade now and we both know that if I go ahead with this project our relationship will change, of course.
“The FIA is a very serious entity and there will be no conflict.”
His approach to the position
Leadership styles are always different, people value things differently. Sainz Sr emphasized his commitment to the FIA Presidency, citing his motorsport experience as beneficial for all stakeholders.
“Obviously, I will have to step down regarding my role with Carlos and his career but this is not an issue at all”, he said.
“If I do this [run for president] it will not be to fight anyone, it will be out of passion and love for motorsport, because I believe I can help and improve certain things.
“I believe it is probably the right time for me personally and professionally, and that is why I am considering it.”
In addition, he highlighted his experience with the sport and his commitment to the position.
“I have been on the other side of motorsport and I know how important it is to listen to everybody – drivers, teams, fans, organizers, promoters, social, manufacturers. I truly think I can make that relationship much smoother and stronger.”
Therefore, his goal is: “[…] to see the future of the FIA as an entity that is really appreciated and respected by everybody.”
