FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem Announces Bid for Second Term in 2025

Dateline:

Paris, France — May 25, 2024

FIA President Ben Sulayem Declares Re-Election Bid Ahead of 2025

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the current president of motorsport’s global governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), has officially declared his intention to run for a second term in 2025. The announcement comes after an eventful first term marked by wide-ranging reforms and several high-profile controversies, reaffirming Ben Sulayem's commitment to reshaping the future of world motorsport.

Ben Sulayem’s Tenure: Progress and Challenges

Since taking office in December 2021, Ben Sulayem, a former rally driver from the United Arab Emirates, has championed transparency, inclusivity, and modernization within the FIA. Notable achievements include the strengthening of governance structures, increased efforts on sustainability, and enhanced safety standards across Formula 1 and other series.

“One term is not enough,” Ben Sulayem stated during a press appearance on Saturday. “There is still much to achieve to secure the long-term integrity and innovation of motorsport.”

His declaration follows recent speculation about internal strife within the organization and heightened scrutiny from racing teams and stakeholders, notably after several contentious decisions during Formula 1 seasons under his leadership.

Reform Agenda: What Has Changed?

Ben Sulayem’s leadership focused on several pillars:

• Governance Reform: Introducing new regulatory frameworks and increased transparency in FIA decision-making processes.
  
• Financial Transparency: Publishing annual financial reports and revising cost-control measures in motorsport championships.
  
• Sustainability: Pushing for greener initiatives, notably in Formula 1’s push towards net-zero carbon emissions.
  
• Diversity and Inclusion: Expanding training and opportunities for underrepresented groups in motorsport, both on and off the track.
  

However, pushback has come from multiple quarters. Several Formula 1 team principals have publicly voiced concerns over the FIA’s handling of regulatory investigations and race control decisions in recent years. The governing body’s stewardship of the 2021 and 2022 F1 seasons, in particular, generated intense debate across the paddock.

Internal and External Reactions

Industry observers and FIA insiders suggest Ben Sulayem’s re-election bid may test the unity of member clubs ahead of next year’s vote.

Christian Horner, principal of the Red Bull Racing F1 team, commented in a recent interview:

“We welcome continued dialogue with the FIA, but seek greater clarity and consistency in sporting governance moving forward.”

Conversely, FIA Vice President for Sport Carmelo Sanz de Barros praised the president’s efforts, stating, “Under Mohammed’s leadership, positive transformation has begun, and continuity would allow these reforms to mature.”

The Road to 2025: Election Process and Prospects

The FIA’s presidential election is scheduled for December 2025. All national member clubs will vote, with each given one vote regardless of size or prominence. Ben Sulayem will need to secure the confidence of both traditional motorsport powerhouses and emerging federations to clinch a second term.

No other senior candidates have publicly declared a challenge so far, but several figures have been floated by insiders as potential rivals.

Context: Motorsport Governance in a Changing World

The global landscape of professional racing evolves rapidly, with heightened commercial stakes in Formula 1, growing popularity of electric series such as Formula E, and increased activist pressure for sustainability. The FIA’s president thus plays a pivotal role in shaping motorsport’s future.

Analysts anticipate that Ben Sulayem’s campaign will showcase his reform record, while opponents may point to controversial incidents and calls for deeper grassroots engagement.

Conclusion

Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s bid for a second term as FIA President signals continuity and a renewed push for reforms in global motorsport governance. As the organization navigates complex industry dynamics and internal challenges, the approaching election will be closely watched by racing teams, fans, and regulators worldwide.