Could Carlos Sainz Sr be the next FIA president? Motorsport’s governing body faces possible leadership shake-up – As the international motorsport community turns its attention to the 2025 FIA presidential election, signs of a seismic shift in leadership are beginning to emerge. Incumbent President Mohammed bin Sulayem, who took over the helm of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in December 2021, is facing increasing scrutiny and growing opposition.
Now, for the first time in years, the head of motorsport’s most powerful governing body could face a serious challenge – and the most intriguing name floating around as a potential successor is none other than Carlos Sainz Sr.
The two-time World Rally Champion and father of current Ferrari F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr, Sainz Sr is reportedly being courted by various interests within the motorsport world to consider challenging bin Sulayem. While Sainz Sr has yet to officially declare his candidacy, credible sources close to his family suggest that discussions are underway and a decision may not be far off.
If he does decide to run, it would mark an extraordinary new chapter in a distinguished motorsport career and could herald a significant cultural and operational change at the FIA.
Behind the push: Discontent within the FIA
The motivation behind Carlos Sainz Sr’s potential candidacy stems largely from ongoing discontent within the FIA. During bin Sulayem’s tenure, a number of senior officials have left, many in controversial circumstances. Most recently, Robert Reid, who served as FIA Vice President for Sport, tendered his resignation, citing what he called a “fundamental breakdown in leadership standards”. Such a public departure by a figure of Reid’s stature has only intensified calls for reform.
According to those within the FIA and the wider motorsport community, frustration has grown over a perceived lack of transparency, unilateral decision-making and a growing centralisation of authority within the President’s office.
One of the most vocal critics has been David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK and a long-standing figure in the global motorsport arena. Most notably, Richards was barred from a World Council meeting earlier this year after refusing to sign a newly introduced confidentiality agreement – a move he described as emblematic of an increasingly opaque organisational culture.
“The governance and constitutional structure of the FIA is becoming increasingly opaque, with power concentrated solely in the hands of the president,” Richards said. “We must not allow a shift in the moral compass of our leadership to result in a simple rejection of any call for transparency and open discourse.”
Although widely respected, Richards is no longer eligible to stand due to the FIA’s age limit, which prohibits candidates over the age of 70 from seeking office.
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Carlos Sainz Sr: A symbol of stability and legacy
In contrast to the recent turbulence, Carlos Sainz Sr. is seen as a figure of stability, respect and legacy in motorsport. As a two-time World Rally Champion and one of the most decorated rally drivers of all time, his pedigree is unquestionable. Beyond his achievements on the track, he has earned a reputation for diplomacy, mentorship and a holistic understanding of the role of motorsport across all disciplines – from rallying to Formula 1 and everything in between.
Sources familiar with discussions surrounding his potential candidacy describe a campaign based on “positive and constructive reform”, one that would aim to restore transparency and trust within the FIA, while strengthening its engagement with competitors, teams, manufacturers and fans alike.
Importantly, Sainz Sr’s deep-rooted relationships across multiple motorsport disciplines make him a unifying figure. Unlike bin Sulayem, whose presidency was marred by internal divisions, Sainz could offer a more inclusive leadership style – something that could prove attractive to the FIA’s voting members in December 2025.
The Wolff factor: Another challenger in the shadows?
While Sainz Sr. remains the most high-profile name in current discussions, another potential candidate has been floated in recent months – Susie Wolff. The former professional racer and managing director of the all-female F1 Academy has long been seen as an emerging leader in the sport. At 42, she meets the FIA’s eligibility criteria and has already garnered the support of several modern-minded stakeholders who see her as a progressive figure capable of ushering in a new era for the FIA.
However, her potential candidacy comes with its own complications. In late 2023, Susie Wolff found herself at the centre of a controversial compliance investigation launched by bin Sulayem into alleged conflicts of interest due to her proximity to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. The investigation, widely seen as politically motivated, was quickly withdrawn following public backlash. However, the episode left a sour taste and underlined the increasingly personal nature of the power dynamics within the FIA.
Should Wolff enter the race, the 2025 election could become a multi-candidate contest, further weakening bin Sulayem’s chances of retaining his post. Whether she runs or not, her treatment under bin Sulayem’s administration has become a flashpoint in wider debates about fairness, governance and respect in motorsport.
Drivers and teams losing patience
Beyond the upper echelons of FIA management, discontent has filtered down to the athletes themselves. Drivers in both Formula One and the World Rally Championship have expressed frustration with what they see as tone-deaf regulations and an authoritarian management style.
One of the most widely criticised recent measures has been the imposition of a so-called “swearing ban” on FIA-sanctioned broadcasts. Although intended to maintain professionalism in public communication, the rule was seen by many drivers as infantilising and overly restrictive. In protest, several rally drivers stopped giving English-language interviews altogether, while prominent F1 drivers wrote an open letter urging the FIA to treat them “like adults”.
Such gestures, however symbolic, speak to a deeper unease about the direction the governing body has taken under bin Sulayem’s leadership. And with the sport’s biggest stars increasingly willing to speak out publicly, the internal rift may soon become impossible to ignore.
Countdown to 12 December: a key date in motorsport governance
With the FIA presidential election scheduled for 12 December 2025, the clock is ticking for those looking to challenge the status quo. Bin Sulayem has yet to confirm whether he will stand for re-election, although all indications are that he intends to seek a second term.
If Carlos Sainz Sr does decide to stand, the election could pit two very different visions for the FIA: one marked by centralised authority and recent controversy, the other based on collaboration, experience and a more conciliatory tone.
The last time the FIA presidency was seriously contested was in 2009, when Jean Todt defeated Ari Vatanen in a closely watched vote. Todt went on to serve three consecutive terms, ushering in a period of relative stability. Whether Sainz can replicate that kind of support remains to be seen – but the very fact that his name is in the mix suggests that significant change could be on the horizon.
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