Carlos Sainz Sr. eyeing bid for FIA presidency against MBS

Carlos Sainz Sr.

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Carlos Sainz Sr., the 63-year-old World Rally legend and Dakar winner, is reportedly mulling a run for FIA presidency against incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

According to Motorsport.com, sources close to Sainz had revealed that influential motorsport figures have urged the Spaniard to challenge Ben Sulayem, whose tenure since 2021 has been fraught with controversy.

The father of Williams F1 driver Carlos Sainz apparently aims to offer a “positive and constructive program” for FIA delegates at the upcoming election in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on December 12, 2025.

His candidacy would provide a fresh alternative to Ben Sulayem, as discontent grows within the FIA.

Ben Sulayem’s Controversial Leadership

Ben Sulayem’s presidency has faced relentless scrutiny. A string of high-profile exits, including recent deputy president for sport Robert Reid, have highlighted governance issues, with Reid citing a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards.”

In February, several FIA members, including Reid and UK representative David Richards, were excluded from a world council meeting for refusing to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Richards’ open letter criticized the FIA’s opaque governance and concentration of power under Ben Sulayem.

Furthermore, the president’s ban on driver swearing sparked backlash, with F1’s Grand Prix Drivers Association demanding to be respected and heard.

Over the past two years, Ben Sulayem has also faced allegations of race meddling - later cleared, a cease-and-desist from F1 over social media remarks, and resurfaced misogynistic comments.

A 2023 compliance inquiry into Toto and Susie Wolff, withdrawn after two days, led to an ongoing legal case against the FIA.

Other candidates for the FIA presidency may emerge, but Sainz’s potential bid signals a pivotal moment for the FIA’s future.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.