Mohammed Ben Sulayem announces bid for second term as FIA president
In a Defiant Pledge, Ben Sulayem Aims to Strengthen FIA and Expand Motorsport
MONACO – Mohammed Ben Sulayem has officially announced his candidacy for a second four-year term as FIA president, promising to build on his controversial but eventful first term. In an exclusive interview with Reuters during the Monaco Grand Prix, the 63-year-old Emirati declared that his journey to transform the International Automobile Federation was far from complete.
“I feel having three years in a complex federation like the FIA is not enough,” the former rally champion revealed. The declaration marks the first time he has openly confirmed his intent to seek re-election, a decision he said was made after extensive consultations with FIA members.
Reflecting on the challenges of his tenure, Ben Sulayem acknowledged the highs and lows but reaffirmed his belief in his mission:
“Do I need more time? Yes. Has it been easy? Never. Has it been enjoyable? Sometimes. So, I am going [to stand]. I consulted with most of the members. I speak to them."
A Vision to Grow and Fortify Motorsport
His tenure has been driven by a vision to grow motorsport globally and to fortify the FIA’s authority within the landscape of Formula 1 and beyond. “I want to keep growing motorsport. To make the FIA stronger and stronger. This is my ambition and that’s what I will do,” he asserted.
Ben Sulayem’s presidency, which began in 2021 following the departure of former Ferrari team boss Jean Todt, has not been without turbulence. His leadership has seen a fair share of controversy, from disagreements with F1’s owners Liberty Media over financial matters to accusations of sexism and disputes with drivers stemming from policies such as heavy fines for swearing.
Additionally, internal challenges emerged with the departure of key senior staff, leading to concerns of an “exodus” from the FIA. Critics have also raised questions about changes to the organization’s statutes, which they argue might weaken the authority of the audit and ethics committees.
Signs of Recovery Amid Challenges
Yet, through these challenges, the FIA has shown signs of economic recovery. The federation recently announced a profit of €4.7 million ($5.34 million) for the past fiscal year, a significant turnaround from the €24 million loss reported in 2021. Negotiations for a new “Concorde Agreement” to align Formula 1 stakeholders are reportedly progressing well under his leadership.
Ben Sulayem also touted the FIA’s success in securing Cadillac’s entry as an 11th team for the 2026 F1 season, a move initially resisted by some within the Formula 1 paddock.
“I cleaned up the FIA house,” he said unapologetically, referring to the controversies and staffing changes of his first term. “Honest people are there. My back is not anymore with knives in it.”
Ongoing Tensions with Liberty Media
The discord between the FIA and Liberty Media, F1’s commercial rights holder, has been another recurring theme of Ben Sulayem’s tenure. He has openly criticized the financial imbalance within Formula 1, questioning the fairness of the structure.
“Raw deals have been given to the FIA,” Ben Sulayem argued. “It doesn’t make sense to me that one [F1] driver and one team principal make more money than all of the FIA, and the FIA owns the championship. Is that fair?”
The remarks underline a tension over the degree of control and financial benefit the FIA derives from its position as the ultimate owner of Formula 1.
Potential Rivalry in the Upcoming Election
As Ben Sulayem prepares for December’s election, no rival candidate has formally announced their intention to run against him. However, Carlos Sainz Sr., the two-time world rally champion and father of Ferrari Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr., is reportedly considering challenging the incumbent.
Ben Sulayem appeared untroubled by the prospect of a contested election:
“Let him stand. That is democracy.”
He also welcomed the principle of competition, while emphasizing that it would be the members’ decision to address any potential conflicts of interest involving his prospective challengers.
Unapologetic Determination to Lead
Far from being deterred by criticism, the FIA president dismissed detractors as inconsequential:
"All of this negativity; 'Oh, he's unpredictable, he's very controversial.' I am the last one who cares what they [the critics and media] do, what they say. To me, it is always about the [FIA] members."
Asserting that his work to grow and strengthen the FIA is far from complete, Ben Sulayem remains steadfast in his mission. Though he faces an uphill battle to win over critics and balance the interests of various stakeholders, the Emirati’s unapologetic determination promises a lively election season ahead.
The Stakes Ahead
With the FIA poised for discussions on the evolving landscape of motorsport, the stakes have never been higher for the man steering the wheel at motorsport’s governing body.
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