Rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr has announced his decision not to contend for the presidency of the International Automobile Federation (FIA). He cited ongoing commitments to his rally career and indicated that the “current circumstances” are “not ideal” for a potential candidacy.
Reports in May suggested that Sainz, whose son Carlos Sainz Jr is a Formula 1 driver, had received considerable backing from various motorsport executives under the FIA`s umbrella when he initially considered running for the role.
The upcoming FIA presidential election, scheduled for December 12 at the FIA General Assembly in Uzbekistan, currently sees incumbent president Mohammed Ben Sulayem unopposed.
Sainz conveyed his decision via an Instagram post: “Hi everyone, this message is to publicly confirm that I have finally decided not to run for the presidency of the FIA in this year`s election.” He explained that despite diligently researching the FIA`s demands and complexities, he concluded that the present conditions were not suitable for his bid. Furthermore, he noted that a presidential campaign would significantly interfere with his preparation for the Dakar Rally, and he wished to maintain his full commitment to Ford and his team. These personal and professional considerations led him to be “realistic” and withdraw from his FIA aspirations for now.
The two-time World Rally champion was not expected to encounter any conflicts of interest if he had pursued the FIA presidency. He expressed deep gratitude for the support he received during his consideration phase. Sainz emphasized that his passion for serving and leading within motorsport remains unwavering, and he continues to believe that the organization requires significant changes, which he hopes will be addressed in the future. He stated that both racing and mobility have been central to his life, and he will continue to follow developments with great interest, always supporting the sport and contributing to global mobility improvements.
Ben Sulayem`s Challenging Tenure as FIA President
Current FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, elected in December 2021, has presided over a controversial term, yet he aims for re-election.
The organization has experienced an unprecedented turnover of senior staff. A notable recent departure was Robert Reid, Deputy President for Sport, who resigned in April, reportedly due to concerns regarding the direction of governance under Ben Sulayem. Sara Mariani, formerly the FIA`s Head of Sustainability, Diversity, and Inclusion, also left after her role was eliminated during a recent restructuring. Mariani publicly stated, “There is a life outside the FIA. A life where talent and dedication are rewarded. Where women in leadership positions can thrive, feel valued and respected.”
The restructuring split Mariani`s responsibilities: sustainability is now overseen by Willem Groenewald, Secretary for General Mobility, and diversity and inclusion by Alessandra Malhame, Senior Human Resources Director. The FIA clarified that Mariani`s role was removed “following a period of review.”
Ben Sulayem has also faced disagreements with drivers from various categories due to his stricter stance on fines and penalties for misconduct. Lewis Hamilton, for instance, criticized him for what he perceived as stereotypical language when Ben Sulayem compared drivers to rappers while discussing a desire for less foul language on team radio. The FIA did not comment on this criticism at the time.
Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix Schedule
- Thursday, June 26
- 2:00 PM: Drivers` Press Conference
- Friday, June 27
- 8:50 AM: F3 Practice
- 10:00 AM: F2 Practice
- 12:00 PM: Austrian GP Practice One (session starts at 12:30 PM)
- 1:55 PM: F3 Qualifying
- 2:50 PM: F2 Qualifying
- 3:35 PM: Austrian GP Practice Two (session starts at 4:00 PM)
- 5:15 PM: The F1 Show
- Saturday, June 28
- 9:00 AM: F3 Sprint
- 11:15 AM: Austrian GP Practice Three (session starts at 11:30 AM)
- 1:10 PM: F2 Sprint
- 2:15 PM: Austrian GP Qualifying build-up
- 3:00 PM: AUSTRIAN GP QUALIFYING
- 5:00 PM: Ted`s Qualifying Notebook
- Sunday, June 29
- 7:25 AM: F3 Feature Race
- 8:55 AM: F2 Feature Race
- 10:40 AM: Porsche Supercup
- 12:30 PM: Grand Prix Sunday: Austrian GP build-up
- 2:00 PM: THE AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX
- 4:00 PM: Chequered Flag: Austrian GP reaction
- 5:00 PM: Ted`s Notebook
