Carlos Sainz Sr issues official statement over FIA p… read more
Carlos Sainz Sr has officially confirmed that he will not be running for the presidency of the FIA, ending weeks of speculation within the Formula 1 paddock. The two-time World Rally Champion and father of current Williams F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr, had been rumored as a potential challenger to incumbent president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the upcoming FIA elections set for later this year. However, in a detailed statement shared via his social media platforms, Sainz Sr made it clear that he has decided against launching a formal campaign for the position.
In his statement, Sainz Sr explained that after months of serious consideration, research, and reflection, he concluded that the current timing is not ideal for him to pursue such a demanding role. “Hi everyone, this message is to publicly confirm that I have finally decided not to run for the presidency of the FIA in this year’s election,” he began. He elaborated that during the past few months, he had invested significant effort into understanding the inner workings of the FIA, including the challenges and responsibilities that come with leading one of motorsport’s most influential governing bodies. Despite his passion for motorsport leadership, Sainz emphasized that the demands of the presidency would clash with his current racing commitments.
One of the major factors influencing his decision was his ongoing preparation for the upcoming Dakar Rally, a grueling event in which he remains highly competitive. Sainz Sr currently races for Ford, and he was candid about not wanting to compromise his performance or let down his team by dividing his attention. “Properly running for President would notably compromise my preparation for the Dakar, and I do not wish to weaken my commitment to Ford and my team,” he stated.
Despite stepping back from the FIA presidential race, Sainz Sr was keen to stress that his interest in the future of motorsport remains strong. He voiced his ongoing desire to contribute meaningfully to the sport and expressed hope that important reforms within the FIA would still be undertaken. “My passion for serving and leading within the Motorsport world hasn’t changed and I still believe the organisation needs important changes, which I remain genuinely hopeful that will be tackled in the upcoming years,” he said. He affirmed that both racing and the broader mobility sector have been lifelong passions and promised to continue supporting initiatives that improve road safety and mobility around the globe.
Sainz Sr ended his message with a heartfelt thank you to those who had supported him during the period of consideration. He acknowledged the many messages of encouragement and advice he had received, noting that these had strengthened his resolve to keep striving toward his current and future objectives. “They have reinforced my confidence to continue striving towards my present and future goals and I’m truly grateful,” he concluded.
With Carlos Sainz Sr officially out of the running, it appears increasingly likely that Mohammed Ben Sulayem will seek re-election unopposed. Ben Sulayem, who was first elected as FIA president in 2021, is nearing the end of his first four-year term. The FIA presidency is one of the most powerful roles in motorsport, overseeing regulations and development across Formula 1, rallying, and various grassroots and road safety initiatives worldwide.
This development brings clarity to the upcoming FIA election landscape and shifts focus back to Ben Sulayem’s leadership and future plans. While Sainz Sr may not be taking the reins just yet, his words suggest that his journey within motorsport governance is far from over. His stature and insight remain valued assets, and he may well play a significant role in shaping the sport’s direction in the future—even if not as FIA president.
