Williams driver Carlos Sainz Jr. has dismissed suggestions of a conflict of interest should his father, Carlos Sainz Sr., pursue the presidency of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l`Automobile).
Carlos Sainz Sr., a former World Rally champion, recently confirmed he is considering running against current FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the election scheduled for December.
Concerns have been raised that having Sainz Sr. lead motorsport`s global governing body while his son actively competes in Formula 1, one of the categories overseen by the FIA, could present a conflict of interest.
Speaking ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Sainz Jr. explained his view to Sky Sports F1. “Very simply because my dad and me, we would part ways. He would not be my manager anymore,” he stated.
“I`m a 30-year-old Formula 1 driver that also has his manager, my cousin. We would just simply stop,” Sainz Jr. added, emphasizing their commitment to avoiding any potential issues. “Whoever knows my dad or knows me personally, knows we would never do anything that would mean conflict of interest.”
Idea Came From the Paddock
Sainz Jr. clarified that the notion of his father running for the FIA role originated from discussions within the motorsport community itself.
“First of all, it`s a possibility, it`s not that he`s going to present himself for sure, or he`s going to become a candidate. He`s just considering it,” he said.
“To be honest, it also didn`t come much from him. It came from a lot of people in the paddock suggesting it to him and putting the idea in his head, and he started considering it.”
Sainz Jr. expressed strong support for his father`s potential candidacy, highlighting his broad experience. “He`s going to obviously evaluate his options, his candidature and his possibilities. I can only say from being his son and being obviously a big fan of his, I think he fits the profile very well,” Sainz Jr. commented.
“I think no one understands motorsport better than my dad across so many ranges, from rallying, to go-karting – because he came with me to all the go-kart races – to all the single-seater ladder, to Formula 1 now.”
“He has quite a broad experience of everything, including mobility with everything that he does in Spain. He definitely fits the profile but it`s going to be up to him whether he thinks he`s fit to consider to be a candidate or not.”
Other Drivers` Perspectives
Other prominent F1 drivers were also asked about Sainz Sr.`s potential move.
George Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers` Association, spoke positively: “Carlos Sr, he`s a great guy. He`s got so much knowledge of motorsport… it could be something good.”
World champion Max Verstappen added: “I think Carlos Sr, he`s a very well-respected person in the paddock here but also for his achievements in rally… Naturally, people will say, `ah, but he`s conflicted with his son in Formula 1.` But, to be honest, I think Carlos Sr is very professional and he can definitely put that aside. I don`t think we need to worry about that, if that`s a problem for someone.”
