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New York Times
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- New York Times
F1 drivers back a Sainz Sr. FIA presidency bid — but the incumbent doesn't want to leave
IMOLA, Italy — For months, there have been rumblings in the Formula One paddock that a credible, known-name candidate could run for the presidency of the sport's governing body. The incumbent, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, is up for re-election at the end of the year. His first term started late in 2021 and has been controversial and turbulent. Only last month, FIA deputy president for sport Robert Reid resigned over what he called a 'crisis' at F1's governing body. Advertisement Rumors that Susie Wolff, the managing director of F1 Academy, might stand against Ben Sulayem were ultimately unfounded and no more than F1 paddock chatter. Until last week, Ben Sulayem appeared completely unopposed. But the emergence of Carlos Sainz Sr., a rallying legend and the father of Williams driver Carlos Sainz, as a possible candidate against Ben Sulayem had the F1 paddock talking throughout Thursday's media day ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Sainz Sr. outlined his thoughts about going for the presidency in a trial balloon interview with where he said he's 'in the process of figuring out how much support I will get from the community of motorsport,' and if it is indeed the right time for such a step. For several years, the thought of embarking on a run to become FIA president has been in the background for Sainz Sr. But in an election year, as more insiders throughout the motorsport world — not just in the F1 paddock — started to hear he was thinking of a run, the more encouragement he began to receive. 'A lot of people in the paddock were kind of putting it in his head, and little by little he started considering it,' Sainz Jr. told reporters on Thursday. 'Now he's obviously thinking about it.' The timing of a potential run to become FIA president is perfect for Sainz Sr. At 63, he still races each year in the Dakar Rally. He has won this famous event four times, but is close to hanging up his helmet for good. A role such as FIA president would be perfect for him to stay involved in racing and keep giving back to motorsport — even if his wife is said to be less enthusiastic. 'It's like, 'come on, now that you are about to retire, give yourself a break or do something not so demanding as this!'' said Sainz Jr., quoting his mother. 'But my dad is just non-stop. He loves motorsport, he loves racing and he sees there's an opportunity to put an end to his racing career but still do something further and find ways to give back to motorsport.' Advertisement Sainz Sr. has an impressive depth of experience from a life spent in motorsport. Besides his legendary success in rallying — he won the World Rally Championship in 1990 and 1992 — and subsequently in Dakar's rally-raid category, he also has experienced what it takes for a driver to climb through go-karting, junior formulae and F1 thanks to his involvement in his son's career. He also understands all the key issues at play throughout the FIA – an organization that stretches far beyond the natural spotlight that shines on F1. Part of the FIA's remit focuses on mobility issues outside of motorsport, which includes road safety. Both Ben Sulayem and his predecessor, Jean Todt, placed a big focus on this through their tenures – something begun in-depth at the FIA by the late president before Todt, Max Mosley. Sainz Sr. does have experience in this area through his advisory role for Ponle Freno, a group in Spain that improves road safety and reduces accident fatalities. He is also heavily involved in the Sainz family's karting centers in their hometown of Madrid, Spain. Combined with his wealth of motorsport competition experience, his candidacy would likely be strong and comprehensive. He is well-respected across the motorsport sphere as a decent family man. Somewhat expectedly, Sainz Jr. is also confident there would be no conflict of interest concerns over an FIA presidential candidate being the father of an active F1 driver. George Russell, Sainz Jr.'s fellow director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, which represents driver welfare (albeit without being a formally recognized union), claimed that because the FIA president traditionally works more in the background instead of being hands-on with day-to-day F1 issues, it would not be a problem. Russell also said the experience of helping his son through to F1 would only boost Sainz Sr.'s credentials should he choose to enter the presidential race. Advertisement 'If anything, I think it could only benefit the sport having Carlos (Jr.) with the inside knowledge of F1 from a driver's perspective and then Carlos Sr.'s knowledge from motorsport generally,' Russell said. 'It could be a brilliant recipe.' Russell, who has regularly been critical about the FIA's recent handling of clamping down on driving 'misconduct' and swearing — a key Ben Sulayem policy that was subject to a U-turn this week — said that Sainz Sr. was 'an extremely respected individual within the whole motorsport industry,' hailing his experience. 'He of course would be a fantastic candidate, if that's what he wished to do,' Russell said. 'I was quite surprised when I saw it initially. But when you think about it properly, I think it makes a lot of sense.' Russell was not alone in being receptive to the idea. Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso has known the Sainz family since he was a young racer and is in regular contact with Sainz Sr. Alonso revealed he was on the phone with him about another matter only on Sunday. 'Obviously he has a lot of experience in motorsport. He knows a lot of people in motorsport as well,' Alonso said. 'He could be a fresh approach.' Alonso added that Sainz would be 'a great candidate, because he knows what the sport needs from this side, which is what we like – the drivers' side.' The experience of being a driver is something that Ben Sulayem has regularly claimed to herald throughout his presidency. He is a 14-time winner of the Middle East Rally Championship. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton felt he could not say much about Sainz Sr. as he had only met him a couple of times, but said he'd had an 'amazing career' and is 'incredible at what he does, still to this day.' But when discussing the swearing climbdown in a separate answer, Hamilton said it 'seems a bit of a mess there (at the FIA) at the moment. There's lots of changes that are needed, for sure.' Advertisement Reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen was previously at loggerheads with Ben Sulayem over the swearing policy after he was sanctioned for cursing in a news conference last year. This resulted in Verstappen doing community service for the FIA in Rwanda ahead of the governing body's annual end-of-season prize-giving ceremony, helping a grassroots racing event. Verstappen said that Sainz Sr. would be 'a great addition' to the list of candidates, and thinks Sainz Jr. would be 'professional enough' for no conflict of interest. Verstappen was Sainz Jr's first F1 teammate at what was then the Toro Rosso squad in 2015, where tensions existed between the two camps as they each strove for early career progress. Asked if Sainz Sr. would be a better president than Ben Sulayem, Verstappen replied: 'You can fill that in yourself. It's stupid for me to comment on that here.' But the truth is that no matter how much support Sainz Sr. may gain through the F1 paddock and the other motorsport categories, the votes to become president of the FIA are made by the national motorsport clubs, known as ASNs (National Sporting Authority), from countries across the world. Ben Sulayem won the 2021 election with 61.62 percent of the votes, beating Todt's deputy, Graham Stoker. Ben Sulayem is understood to still have a lot of support from many ASNs despite the various issues that emerged during his time as president. If Sainz Sr. were to run, he'd need to work hard to overturn those votes. There are also the complex hurdles Sainz Sr. — or any other candidate, for that matter — must overcome to even stand for FIA president. Before even being considered eligible, there is a requirement to secure support from a number of senior FIA officials from across the world. And according to BBC Sport, Ben Sulayem is also considering making further changes to the FIA statutes concerning the eligibility of potential candidates, including that there can be nothing in their records that 'calls into question their professional integrity.' This has been interpreted in some quarters as referencing Sainz's son's F1 berth. All of these elements will be considerations for Sainz Sr. in the coming weeks as he mulls everything over. The first step is deciding whether or not he wants to commit to a bid. Then he must consider who would be part of his election team, as well as pushing to garner the required support to get on the ballot for December's vote. This will take place in Uzbekistan along with the FIA General Assembly and the 2025 prize-giving. Advertisement Should Sainz Sr. commit to a run, it would be another intriguing political dynamic for F1 and wider motorsport this year, even if it would represent just the start of a very long road to the final vote in December. But the early sentiment is that the presence of such a respected, experienced and well-regarded figure would be welcomed in the F1 paddock — particularly in the context of the ongoing questions being asked of the existing FIA leadership. (Top Image: GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images;)
Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Carlos Sainz Sr considering standing for FIA president
– Spaniard Carlos Sainz Sr, father of the namesake Williams Formula One driver, said he is considering running for president of the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) in 2025. The 63-year-old, a double world rally champion and four-time winner of the Dakar Rally who is still competing, told on May 7 that he was assessing how much support he could count on. Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem, also 63, has served since 2021 and is expected to seek a second term in December, and Sainz is the first potential challenger to break cover. The selection will occur in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Dec 12. 'This possibility (of standing) 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,' said Sainz. '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.' Ben Sulayem is a controversial figure who has had battles with teams and drivers in Formula One and rallying, but he holds a strong hand in an election where geography and regional loyalties come into play. Presidential candidates are also required to stand with a slate of potential office-holders put forward for the various roles. Sainz said there would be no conflict of interest with his son, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association. 'Obviously, I will have to step down regarding my role with Carlos and his career but this is not an issue at all. 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,' he said. Sainz Jr finished in ninth at May 2-4 Miami Grand Prix, which suffered a major drop in television audience for the fourth edition of the South Florida event. The race won by McLaren's Oscar Piastri drew an average of 2.17 million viewers on ABC, according to Nielsen ratings. That represented around a 30 per cent drop from the 2024 race, which set a record for Formula 1 ratings on United States television with an average audience of 3.07 million. The silver lining is that the numbers for May 4 were still up 7 per cent from the 2023 Miami GP, and came without a live sporting event on ABC leading into the race. The 2024 Miami GP aired right after Game 7 of a first-round play-off series. However, this year's Miami GP, peaked with 2.4 million viewers, was seen as an important litmus test with ESPN evaluating whether it intends to pursue an extension of its F1 media rights deal that expires at the end of this season. Two US-based races remain on the schedule, with a stop in Austin in October and the third year of the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November. REUTERS, AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Carlos Sainz Sr reportedly eyeing FIA presidency ahead of high-stakes 2025 election showdown
Carlos Sainz Sr is reportedly considering a bid for the FIA presidency ahead of the crucial December 2025 election. (Credit: Getty Images0 FIA presidency race heats up with Carlos Sainz Sr reportedly entering the 2025 contest Could Carlos Sainz Sr CHALLENGE Mohammed Ben Sulayem for FIA presidency? 👀 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.'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 '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 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 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 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 Read: Is F1 the endgame for Lando Norris? McLaren driver shares thoughts on what's next
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Sainz Sr considering running for FIA president
Carlos Sainz Sr won the World Rally Championship drivers' title in 1990 and 1992 [Getty Images] Rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr is considering running for president of the FIA, motorsport's governing body, in December's election. The 63-year-old two-time world champion told he was "in the process of figuring out how much support I will get in the community of motorsport". Sainz - who is also a four-time winner of the Dakar Rally, on which this year he was still competing - would be running against current FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, whose term in office since 2021 has been beset by controversy. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Ben Sulayem has not yet formally declared his intention to run again, but is known to be intending to. No other potential candidate has yet declared interest. Sainz said: "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. "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." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Sainz is widely regarded as a man of seriousness and integrity, as well as unquestionably an all-time great in his field. Sources say he is a consequential candidate and would have widespread support from within the sport. Sainz said there would be no conflict of interest with the fact that his son Carlos is an active F1 driver with Williams. "I have my track record and people know me well enough to understand that this will not be an issue," Sainz 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, 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. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "The FIA is a very serious entity and there will be no conflict." Ben Sulayem suffered a blow to his presidency with the resignation of his deputy president for sport, Robert Reid, last month. Reid quit citing "a fundamental breakdown in governance standards" within the FIA. On the day Reid announced his resignation, the former FIA chief executive officer Natalie Robyn broke the silence she had maintained since being forced to resign last summer after 18 months in the role. Robyn told BBC Sport the FIA had "serious ongoing structural challenges", adding that "professional processes are not adhered to and stakeholders are excluded from decision-making". ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Robyn's departure came after she raised questions about the general governance of the FIA and its professional practices, including finances in the president's office. Her departure was followed by those of the head of the audit committee Bertrand Badre, a former head of the World Bank, and audit committee member Tom Purves, a former BMW executive. In November, Ben Sulayem fired FIA compliance officer Paolo Basarri, who in March last year looked into allegations that Ben Sulayem interfered in the operations of the Saudi Arabian and Las Vegas Grands Prix in 2023. Ben Sulayem was cleared following an investigation by the FIA's ethics committee. The FIA is currently the subject of legal action by Susie Wolff, the boss of the F1 Academy for aspiring female drivers, after a controversial conflict of interest inquiry into her and her husband, Toto Wolff, the boss of Mercedes motorsport. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Senior FIA figures have also raised concerns about Ben Sulayem's decision to change the statutes of the governing body last year to reduce accountability. And at last weekend's Miami Grand Prix, Grand Prix Drivers' Association director George Russell called for action rather than words from the FIA on the controversy over censures for swearing and criticising the governing body. The FIA is also yet to explain the circumstances behind the return to the organisation of former interim secretary general Shaila-Ann Rao, a little over two years after she left the organisation following a difficult relationship with Ben Sulayem.
The Drive
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Carlos Sainz Sr. Is 'Confident' He Could Do a 'Good Job' as FIA President
The FIA will hold its next presidential election on Dec. 12, with current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirming that he'll seek a second term. Susie Wolff had emerged as a possible candidate some time ago, but rumors dissipated due to a potential conflict of interest given her husband's role at Mercedes, leaving Ben Sulayem unchallenged. That changed Wednesday, however, when rally superstar Carlos Sainz Sr. confirmed that he's 'currently in the process of figuring out how much support I will get from the community of motorsport.' In an interview with , the WRC and Dakar champion confirmed that 'now is the right time' to seek the presidency, while clearing up that the link to his son, current Williams Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz, would not pose a conflict of interest. 'There are plenty of reasons, but I have been driving for more than 40 years and this sport has given me everything,' he told Motorsport . '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.' Getty GIUSEPPE CACACE '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,' added Sainz Sr. 'I have my track record and people know me well enough to understand that [Sainz Jr.] 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'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.' Ben Sulayem's reign has been tainted with controversy, starting with the controversial call of 2021's Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix, followed by rumors of influencing the outcome of the Saudi Arabian GP to please major sponsor Aramco, and lately with the strict implementation of Appendix B, which heavily fines any driver who uses a curse word during a race weekend. Getty Mark Thompson More recently, however, the FIA has come under fire for its closed-door meetings that were once open to various other positions within the organization in order to keep some sense of checks and balances. Ben Sulayem has personally fired several employees who are believed to have spoken against him or his measures, causing U.K. motorsports chief David Richards to threaten legal action for the 'erosion of accountability and good governance within the FIA.' The 63-year-old rally star would not comment on Ben Sulayem's controversies or the current state of affairs between him and F1 (and WRC) drivers, only adding that if he does run for president, 'it will not be to fight anyone, it will be out of passion and love for motorsport.' Got a tip? Email us at tips@ Jerry Perez is the Deputy Editor at The Drive, overseeing the site's daily and long-term content initiatives in addition to writing his own features and reviews. He's been covering the automotive industry professionally since 2015 and joined The Drive in January 2018.
