Williams chief James Vowles endorses Carlos Sainz Sr.'s FIA presidency bid
Williams Boss Backs Carlos Sainz Sr. for FIA Presidency
Williams boss James Vowles has thrown his support behind Carlos Sainz Sr., championing the rallying legend as a strong candidate for FIA president should he choose to enter the race later this year.
Sainz Sr., a two-time World Rally Champion and four-time Dakar Rally winner, has publicly confirmed he is seriously considering challenging incumbent FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the upcoming election. Vowles, who signed Sainz Sr.’s son, F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr., to the Williams team earlier this season, is confident in the elder Sainz’s ability to step into motorsport’s top administrative role.
Vowles’ Endorsement
Speaking at a media event on Tuesday, Vowles outlined why he believes Sainz Sr. would make an excellent fit for the position. “I think he would [be a good fit], simply because he's got a couple of world championships to his name, he’s got a breadth of motorsport experience,” he explained.
“He understands single-seater [racing], going all the way down to rallying. He’s already been president of some of the mobility divisions in Spain, so this isn’t probably as big a step as some may think. But ultimately, it’s up to him to decide whether or not this is the direction he wants to take.”
Conflict of Interest Concerns Addressed
Critics have raised concerns about the potential conflict of interest stemming from Sainz Jr.’s career in Formula 1 should his father head the FIA. However, Sainz Sr. was quick to dismiss this as a genuine issue.
“I have my track record, and people know me well enough to understand that this will not be an issue,” he told Autosport last week. “Obviously, I will have to step down regarding my role with Carlos and his career, but this is not an issue at all.”
Having worked with both Sainz Sr. and Jr. during the latter’s move from Ferrari to Williams, Vowles has no qualms about the potential for any conflicts of interest. “I don’t believe [there would be an issue] if he were to be successful, no,” Vowles remarked.
Praise for Sainz Sr.
Offering insight into his dealings with Sainz Sr., Vowles praised not just his accomplishments, but his understanding of the sport. “Carlos [Sr.] has 40 years of experience in this sport, and whenever you speak to him—if you have the occasion—have a chat with him. He’s got a really logical view on how the sport’s constructed, how he’s gotten to where he is, and what actually can help it improve.”
Vowles also emphasized the elder Sainz’s ability to separate his personal interests from his son’s career. “What I’ve noticed with Carlos [Sr.] here is that he recognizes his son is his own man now and doesn’t interfere in anything. What he really enjoys is just watching the cars go around the track and knowing that he’s played a part in that. If he decides to pursue the FIA role, I’m confident we can firewall it sufficiently.”
A Legendary Racing Career
Carlos Sainz Sr.’s illustrious racing career is packed with accolades. He claimed World Rally Championship titles in 1990 and 1992, and his four Dakar Rally victories—in 2010, 2018, 2020, and most recently in 2024—cement his legacy as one of the most versatile and accomplished drivers in motorsport history.
A Vision for the FIA Future
Should Sainz Sr. formally enter the race for FIA president, he would bring an unmatched level of hands-on racing experience and strategic insight to the role, potentially reshaping the future of motorsport’s global governing body. The motorsport world, it seems, may soon witness one of its legends making the leap from the driver’s seat to the top of the administrative ladder.
Up Next
