Carlos Sainz Sr, the celebrated two-time World Rally Champion and Dakar Rally victor, is contemplating a bid for the presidency of the FIA, the sport's governing body, amidst a backdrop of internal controversies and questions of impartiality. With the FIA set to hold its General Assembly in December 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sainz Sr is exploring support from the global motorsport community before officially declaring his candidacy.
The current FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, is expected to seek re-election, which could set the stage for a significant showdown between the two figures in motorsport. Sainz Sr, who has enjoyed a decorated career spanning over four decades, expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of leading the FIA, believing his extensive experience positions him well to introduce innovative ideas and foster a robust leadership team.
However, the prospect of Sainz Sr stepping into this role has raised immediate concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly because his son, Carlos Sainz Jr, is currently competing in Formula 1 with Williams. Addressing these concerns, Sainz Sr firmly stated, "I have my track record and people know me well enough to understand that this will not be an issue." He emphasized that he would maintain a strict separation between his responsibilities as FIA president and his son's racing career.
"Obviously, I will have to step down regarding my role with Carlos and his career, but this is not an issue at all," he added, highlighting the maturity and independence of his son, who has been in F1 for a decade. Sainz Sr believes that the nature of the FIA presidency requires absolute impartiality, a standard he is committed to uphold.
While he refrained from directly criticizing Ben Sulayem's leadership, Sainz Sr acknowledged the controversies that have surrounded the FIA in recent years, including governance issues and public scrutiny. "Obviously, lately there has been some controversy," he remarked, indicating a desire to bring stability and positive change to the organization. His vision for the future of the FIA revolves around fostering stronger relationships among all stakeholders, including drivers, teams, fans, organizers, promoters, and manufacturers.
One of the key pillars of Sainz Sr’s potential presidency would be to restore trust and credibility within the FIA. "I would like to see the future of the FIA as an entity that is really appreciated and respected by everybody," he said. He believes that by listening to all voices in motorsport, he can help build bridges and create a more unified governing body.
Sainz Sr, who is now 63 years old, has made it clear that he would only launch a formal campaign if he garners significant backing for his approach. "I believe it is probably the right time for me personally and professionally, and that is why I am considering it," he stated. His commitment to professionalism and integrity underlines his resolve to advance the sport on a global scale.
As the motorsport community watches closely, the potential candidacy of Carlos Sainz Sr could significantly shake up the political landscape within the FIA. With no other challengers yet confirmed, he may emerge as a leading alternative to Ben Sulayem, who has faced several challenges during his tenure since taking over from Jean Todt in 2021.
Ben Sulayem's presidency has been marred by scandals and controversies, including accusations of race fixing and meddling in F1's affairs, which have angered the sport's owners, Liberty Media. Additionally, his administration has faced criticism for imposing substantial fines on drivers for swearing and for not providing a permanent team of stewards.
In March 2024, Susie Wolff filed a legal complaint against the FIA after an inquiry was opened into her and her husband, Toto Wolff, amid claims of a conflict of interest. This inquiry ultimately cleared the Wolffs of any wrongdoing. Furthermore, Ben Sulayem suffered a significant blow when his deputy president for sport, Robert Reid, resigned, citing a breakdown in governance standards.
As Sainz Sr considers his candidacy, he reflects on his own storied career. He became world rally champion in 1990 and 1992 and has won the Dakar Rally four times, most recently in 2024 while driving for Audi. His extensive experience in the sport positions him as a credible candidate capable of leading the FIA into a new era.
As the motorsport world eagerly awaits Sainz Sr's final decision, the implications of his potential bid for the FIA presidency could reverberate throughout the sport. With a vision for transformation and a commitment to restoring credibility, Carlos Sainz Sr's candidacy may very well redefine the future of motorsport governance.
Meanwhile, the Formula 1 season continues to unfold, with Oscar Piastri winning the Miami Grand Prix on May 4, 2025, and leading the Drivers' Championship by 16 points over Lando Norris as they head into the Emilia Romagna GP at Imola on May 11, 2025. The upcoming elections at the FIA will undoubtedly shape the landscape of motorsport governance, and the stakes have never been higher.
