Ben Sulayem poised for smooth re-election as FIA rivals falter

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem appears set for a smooth path toward re-election next December, with the Emirati seemingly unchallenged for a second term at the helm of motorsport’s governing body.

A list published by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile this week suggests his rivals are struggling to gather the necessary regional backing to mount a credible challenge.

Ben Sulayem, who succeeded Jean Todt in 2021, has endured a turbulent tenure marked by high-profile controversies and political friction with Formula 1.

Yet, as the FIA’s December election in Tashkent draws closer, it appears that opposition to his leadership has failed to crystallize into a viable campaign.

A One-Horse Race?

Under FIA election rules, presidential hopefuls must assemble a slate of seven potential vice-presidents for sport, each representing a different region. But the latest list of eligible members – comprising 29 names – has left most challengers short on options.

South America, for instance, lists only Fabiana Ecclestone, the Brazilian vice-president for sport and one of the most senior women in the organization. Her solitary presence effectively prevents any rival from forming a compliant team unless she switches allegiance – an unlikely prospect, given her established ties within the current administration.

Africa, too, offers slim pickings. The continent’s two representatives, Amina Mohamed of Kenya and Rodrigo Rocha from Mozambique, have already pledged support to the incumbent, with Rocha formally listed on Ben Sulayem’s team.

That arithmetic leaves little room for maneuver for Ben Sulayem’s opponents.

Tim Mayer, the American former Formula 1 chief steward and the most prominent challenger, has yet to announce a full team – a delay that insiders say reflects the difficulty of assembling one under the FIA’s regional constraints. Mayer is expected to address the issue when he attends the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin next week.

A Stage for Pretenders

Alongside Mayer, two other self-declared contenders have surfaced – though not with the gravitas one might expect from would-be global regulators of motorsport.

Swiss racer Laura Villars and Belgian model-turned-influencer Virginie Philippot have both made headlines more for their enthusiasm to be seen than for any discernible policy platform.

Their bids, described in FIA circles as “spirited but unserious,” seem aimed more at grabbing headlines than votes.

With neither woman having presented a formal team or agenda, the pair have become the sideshow to what is shaping up as a near-certain coronation for Ben Sulayem.

Continuity Beckons

Ben Sulayem confirmed his running mates back in September, cementing his support base well before the October 24 deadline for presidential submissions. Unless an unexpected alliance materializes in the next few weeks, the Emirati is on course to retain power for another four years.

• Read also: Ben Sulayem responds to ‘reign of terror’ allegations by Mayer

While his first term has been anything but tranquil – marked by disputes over governance, Formula 1’s commercial direction, and high-profile staff changes – the absence of organized opposition suggests that, for now, the FIA’s member clubs prefer the stability of familiarity to the potential chaos of change.

If current dynamics hold, the December 12 election in Tashkent, Uzbekistan may prove to be a formality – one that reaffirms Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s grip on world motorsport, and leaves his would-be challengers stranded on the starting grid.

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