The world of motorsport is abuzz with tension as the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) prepares for its presidential election on December 12, 2025, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Incumbent president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has led the organization since 2021, finds himself at the center of mounting controversies that threaten his re-election bid. With a formidable challenger emerging in the form of two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz Sr., the race for the FIA presidency is shaping up to be a dramatic showdown that could reshape the governance of global motorsport.

Ben Sulayem’s tenure as FIA president has been anything but smooth. Elected at the end of 2021 as the successor to Jean Todt, he promised a hands-off, transparent leadership style, delegating day-to-day operations to an empowered CEO. This vision earned him the endorsement of influential bodies like the British Racing Drivers Club and secured his election. However, critics argue that his presidency has veered far from these initial pledges, with accusations of authoritarianism, lack of transparency, and controversial decision-making alienating drivers, teams, and even senior FIA officials.

One of the most significant flashpoints has been Ben Sulayem’s crackdown on driver conduct, particularly his campaign against swearing in Formula 1. This initiative, which tightened penalties in 2025 to include hefty fines and potential suspensions, drew sharp criticism from drivers like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, openly expressed his disdain, famously stating that Ben Sulayem “never had” his support. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) also voiced concerns, calling for greater driver involvement in FIA decision-making and criticizing the president’s tone when addressing drivers. While Ben Sulayem recently hinted at revising these rules following feedback, the damage to his reputation among drivers may already be irreparable.

The controversies extend beyond the paddock. Ben Sulayem’s leadership has been marked by a string of high-profile resignations, raising questions about the FIA’s internal governance. In April 2025, deputy president for sport Robert Reid resigned, citing a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards” and a lack of accountability. Reid’s departure followed those of other senior figures, including former CEO Natalie Robyn, single-seater technical director Tim Goss, and sporting director Steve Nielsen. Motorsport UK chairman  Motorsport UK chairman David Richards has also publicly criticized Ben Sulayem, accusing him of centralizing power and drifting away from the FIA’s core values of fairness and openness. Richards’ refusal to sign a controversial non-disclosure agreement led to his exclusion from a World Motor Sport Council meeting, further fueling perceptions of an opaque leadership style.

Amid this turmoil, Carlos Sainz Sr. has emerged as a credible challenger to Ben Sulayem. The 63-year-old Spaniard, father of Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr., is a respected figure in motorsport, known for his integrity and passion for the sport. Reports from outlets like Sky Sports News and Motorsport.com indicate that Sainz enjoys widespread support among FIA-sanctioned series bosses and is considering a run to offer a “positive and constructive program” for the organization. Unlike Ben Sulayem, whose campaign has been dogged by controversy, Sainz Sr. has emphasized that his potential candidacy would focus on uniting the motorsport community rather than attacking the incumbent.

The upcoming election is a critical juncture for the FIA, which oversees major series like Formula 1, the World Rally Championship, and World Rallycross. Ben Sulayem has pointed to financial reforms, such as turning a €24 million deficit in 2021 into a projected €2.2 million surplus in 2024, as evidence of his success. He has also made strategic appointments, such as nominating Malcolm Wilson as deputy president for sport and bringing back Shaila-Ann Rao as an advisor, to bolster his team ahead of the vote. However, these moves have done little to quell the growing dissent within the FIA and the broader motorsport community.

As the election approaches, the spotlight is on whether Ben Sulayem can overcome the wave of criticism and retain his position or if Sainz Sr. will capitalize on the unrest to usher in a new era for the FIA. Drivers, teams, and fans are watching closely, aware that the outcome will shape the future of motorsport governance. With tensions running high and the stakes even higher, the battle for the FIA presidency promises to be one of the most contentious in recent memory.