Carlos Sainz Sr Issues Official Statement on FIA P...read more

Carlos Sainz Sr Issues Official Statement on FIA Presidency Decision

Carlos Sainz Sr has officially withdrawn his name from consideration for the presidency of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), confirming he will not challenge current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in this year’s highly anticipated election.

The 61-year-old Spanish motorsport legend, a two-time World Rally Champion and recent Dakar Rally winner, had been widely tipped as a potential challenger in the FIA’s upcoming leadership race. In recent weeks, speculation had intensified across the Formula 1 paddock and the wider motorsport community that Sainz Sr was preparing to mount a campaign to bring change to the global governing body of motorsport.

However, in a carefully worded statement published on his social media platforms, Sainz Sr announced he will not be running, citing a combination of timing, personal racing commitments, and the need for further preparation as key reasons for stepping away from the opportunity—for now.

“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,” Sainz wrote. “I have worked hard these past months to understand in depth the situation at the FIA and the demands and complexities that come with such an important project.”

He explained that while he remains passionate about serving the motorsport community at a leadership level, the timing of the 2025 FIA election does not align well with his current commitments—most notably, his preparation for the next edition of the Dakar Rally, where he is set to compete with Ford.

“After thoughtful reflection, I have come to the conclusion that the present circumstances are not ideal to set the grounds for my candidacy,” he continued. “Furthermore, I have realised that 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.”

Sainz also made it clear that his decision was not due to a lack of belief in the need for change at the FIA. Rather, he emphasized that the organization still requires improvements and reforms—something he hopes will be addressed regardless of who leads the body in the coming years.

“Despite stepping down from this race, my passion for serving and leading within the motorsport world hasn’t changed,” he added. “I still believe the organisation needs important changes, which I remain genuinely hopeful will be tackled in the upcoming years.”

“Both racing and mobility have been my life, and I will closely follow future developments with great interest. I will always support my sport and try to contribute in all meaningful ways to improve mobility for road users around the world.”

Finally, Sainz expressed gratitude for the encouragement he received during the past few months, revealing that the experience has only deepened his resolve to pursue future goals within motorsport and mobility leadership.

“I want to sincerely thank you all for the messages of support, encouragement and advice I have received during the past weeks. They have reinforced my confidence to continue striving towards my present and future goals and I’m truly grateful. Thank you.”

What This Means for the FIA Election

Sainz Sr’s withdrawal is a significant development in the run-up to the 2025 FIA presidential election, now setting the stage for current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to likely run unopposed. Ben Sulayem, who made history in 2021 as the first non-European to hold the post, has had a controversial tenure marked by both structural reforms and criticism over governance and communication.

With elections scheduled every four years, the upcoming vote will shape the direction of global motorsport and mobility regulation through the end of the decade. While no other candidates have formally declared their intention to run, Sainz Sr’s exit significantly reduces the likelihood of a contested race.

The focus now shifts to Ben Sulayem’s re-election campaign and whether he will face any late challengers or internal pressure to evolve FIA leadership amid recent scrutiny.

As for Carlos Sainz Sr, his decision appears to leave the door open for a future bid. His influence and reputation in motorsport remain strong, and should he choose to pursue a leadership role in the years ahead, he would likely be welcomed by many seeking reform and fresh vision within the FIA.