🔥Big news: OFFICIAL, Carlos Sainz Sr will replace Mohammed Ben Sulayem as the new FIA president 👇👇
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, Carlos Sainz Sr, the legendary two-time World Rally Champion and four-time Dakar Rally winner, has been confirmed as the new president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), replacing Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The announcement, made following the FIA’s General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on December 12, 2025, marks a significant turning point for the governing body of global motorsport. Sainz Sr’s appointment comes after a contentious election, driven by widespread calls for change amid a series of controversies that plagued Ben Sulayem’s tenure.
Sainz Sr, a 63-year-old Spaniard, emerged as a frontrunner in the presidential race earlier this year, with reports surfacing in May 2025 that influential figures within motorsport had approached him to challenge Ben Sulayem. His candidacy gained momentum due to his storied career, which includes World Rally titles in 1990 and 1992, and Dakar victories as recently as 2024 with Audi. Known for his professionalism and deep connection to the sport, Sainz Sr positioned himself as a unifying figure, promising a “positive and constructive program” to restore transparency and credibility to the FIA. His vision resonated with FIA delegates, who were eager for a leader capable of mending fractured relationships with drivers, teams, and stakeholders.
Ben Sulayem’s presidency, which began in December 2021, was marred by controversies that eroded his support. His strict regulations, including a widely criticized ban on swearing, sparked backlash from drivers across Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship. Rally drivers protested by refusing English-language interviews, while F1 drivers, led by figures like George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, issued an open letter demanding to be treated as professionals. Ben Sulayem also faced accusations of meddling in race results, though he was cleared of wrongdoing, and drew ire for comments on Formula 1’s valuation, prompting a legal warning from the sport’s commercial rights holders. The resignation of key FIA figures, including deputy president for sport Robert Reid, who cited a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards,” further weakened Ben Sulayem’s position.
Sainz Sr’s campaign avoided dwelling on these controversies, focusing instead on his extensive experience and passion for motorsport. “I have been driving for over 40 years, and this sport has given me everything,” he said in an interview with Motorsport.com in May 2025. “I’m confident I can put together an excellent team to give back to the sport.” His promise to foster collaboration with drivers, teams, promoters, and fans struck a chord, particularly with those frustrated by the FIA’s recent authoritarian approach. Sainz Sr also addressed potential concerns about a conflict of interest due to his son, Carlos Sainz Jr, a Williams F1 driver and director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association. He emphasized that he would step back from involvement in his son’s career, stating, “The FIA is a serious entity, and there will be no conflict.”
The election, held on December 12, was a closely watched affair, with Sainz Sr facing Ben Sulayem and other potential candidates, though no other challengers gained significant traction. Sources indicate that Sainz Sr secured widespread support from executives across various FIA-sanctioned series, reflecting his broad appeal. His victory is seen as a mandate for change, with expectations high for a more inclusive and transparent leadership style. Unlike Ben Sulayem, whose tenure was marked by internal divisions, Sainz Sr is viewed as a leader capable of bridging gaps between the FIA and its stakeholders.
As the new FIA president, Sainz Sr faces immediate challenges, including addressing driver concerns over regulations and rebuilding trust within the organization. His pledge to give the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association greater influence on rule-making is a promising start, as is his commitment to strengthening motorsport’s global development. Fans and insiders alike are optimistic about his ability to steer the FIA into a new era, leveraging his decades of experience as a competitor and ambassador for the sport.
Sainz Sr’s appointment is a bold step forward for the FIA, signaling a shift toward collaborative governance and respect for the sport’s heritage. As he takes the helm, the motorsport community watches eagerly, hopeful that his leadership will usher in stability and progress. With his track record of success and dedication, Carlos Sainz Sr is poised to make a lasting impact as the FIA’s new president.
