Carlos Sainz Sr considering run for FIA president

Carlos Sainz Sr is contemplating operating in opposition to Mohammed Ben Sulayem to be the following FIA president.

Sources near the previous World Rally champion and Dakar winner stated that a number of key figures from inside the motorsport world have approached him about operating in opposition to Ben Sulayem, the present FIA president.

Autosport understands that Sainz, the daddy of Williams Components 1 driver Carlos Sainz, is now severely contemplating whether or not to face in opposition to Ben Sulayem, whose tenure as president of F1’s governing physique has been marred by controversy.

If 63-year-old Sainz have been to face in opposition to Ben Sulayem, himself a former rally driver, sources stated it could be to “current a constructive and constructive program” to present the FIA delegates another choice within the election for president.

Ben Sulayem, additionally 63, was elected president on the finish of 2021 – changing Jean Todt, who had served for 12 years.

The following basic meeting, and with it the following presidential election, will probably be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on 12 December.

Earlier within the yr, there was hypothesis that Susie Wolff, managing director of F1 Academy, may run for president, however these rumours have been shut down.

Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President, Nikolas Tombazis, FIA Single Seater Director

Photograph by: Rudy Carezzevoli / Motorsport Photos

Ben Sulayem’s time period in workplace has been hit by a swathe of controversies. Most not too long ago, the FIA has seen a string of key figures leaving the governing physique. Robert Reid, deputy president for sport, left final month, stating “a basic breakdown in governance requirements” and “essential selections being made with out due course of”.

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In February, a number of FIA members have been barred from a gathering of its world council after refusing to signal a non-disclosure settlement. Reid was a kind of who refused to signal, alongside David Richards, the UK’s consultant. Richards subsequently issued an open letter by which it made clear {that a} rising variety of individuals had issues in regards to the governance of the FIA. 

“The governance and constitutional organisation of the FIA is changing into ever extra opaque and concentrating energy within the arms of the president alone,” Richards stated. “We can’t permit a shift of the ethical compass of our management to easily dismiss any request for transparency and open discourse.”

Ben Sulayem has not been embroiled in controversy with simply FIA members however has additionally upset drivers over his ban on swearing.

Rally drivers protested by refusing to present interviews in English, whereas F1 drivers wrote an open letter asking to be handled like adults.

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Different controversies involving Ben Sulayem embrace the Emirati being investigated for potential meddling in a race end result, one thing he was later cleared of. He obtained a ‘stop and desist’ letter from F1’s attorneys over feedback he made on social media in regards to the worth of F1. Historic quotes additionally emerged of him making misogynistic remarks.

Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President

Photograph by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photos

On the finish of 2023, the FIA, beneath Ben Sulayem’s steering, additionally launched a compliance inquiry into Mercedes group principal Toto Wolff and his spouse, Susie, on the grounds of a battle of curiosity. The declare was withdrawn inside two days after all the different 9 groups issued a joint assertion stating that they had no downside, and there’s now a authorized case in opposition to the FIA ongoing in consequence.

Different figures are anticipated to emerge in a bid to run in opposition to Ben Sulayem.