Mohammed Ben Sulayem to Be Re-Elected as FIA President Unopposed Amid Election Rule Controversy

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the current president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), appears set to secure a second four-year term without facing a single opponent. The potential challengers—including Swiss racer Laura Villars, American official Tim Mayer, and Belgian journalist Virginie Philpott—were all disqualified from running due to procedural election changes introduced earlier this year.

The move has sparked controversy across the motorsport community, as critics suggest the FIA’s revised election framework effectively seals off the top position from competition.

Rule Changes That Sparked Controversy

In June 2025, the FIA’s World Council approved amendments that dramatically tightened the eligibility criteria for presidential candidates. Under the new rules, any contender must submit a full slate of seven vice-presidents, each representing one of the FIA’s continental regions. Moreover, all nominees must come from a pre-approved list of individuals certified by the FIA itself.

However, as the current eligibility list includes only one candidate from South America—Fabiana Ecclestone, who already serves under Mohammed Ben Sulayem—none of the other candidates could meet the continental balance requirement. Previously, candidates were permitted to run without presenting a complete vice-presidential team, allowing for broader participation.

Tim Mayer – Earlier exited the FIA President Elections Race

Critics Cry Foul: “It Isn’t Democracy”

Former FIA vice-president Robert Reid, who served alongside Mohammed Ben Sulayem until his resignation in April, openly criticized the new process on LinkedIn. “The process looks democratic, but in practice, it locks the door from the inside,” Reid wrote. “It isn’t democracy. It isn’t even unusual. But that doesn’t make it right.”

His remarks echo growing discontent among FIA insiders who accuse the governing body of consolidating power at the expense of transparency and accountability.

Withdrawals and Fallout

Earlier in the year, Carlos Sainz Sr., rally legend and father of Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr., expressed interest in running for the FIA presidency but later withdrew. He cited that the “present circumstances are not ideal” to support a fair and open campaign.

Meanwhile, several officials who questioned Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s leadership were reportedly removed from key positions—among them, Tim Mayer, who had also intended to stand as a challenger in the election.

A Growing Debate Over FIA Governance

As Mohammed Ben Sulayem moves toward an uncontested re-election this December, critics warn that the FIA risks alienating its member clubs and diminishing its democratic credibility. While his supporters credit him with modernizing motorsport governance, detractors see the recent rule changes as a calculated move to cement his control.

Either way, the December election is shaping up to be less of a race—and more of a referendum on the FIA’s integrity.