Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the current president of the FIA, may have scored a significant early advantage in the race for the governing body’s presidency that will culminate at the December 2025 election in Uzbekistan.
A coalition of 36 automobile clubs – largely from the Americas – and key figures such as South America’s FIA vice president for Sport, Fabiana Ecclestone, have publicly endorsed the Emirati leader’s bid for a second term.
This broad show of support is widely seen as a strategic move by Ben Sulayem,, aimed at discouraging the potential candidacy of rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr., who has been rumored to consider a challenge for the top FIA job.
A Unified Front: The Letter of Support
The letter from the automobile club dignitaries comes at a critical moment, underscoring their confidence in Ben Sulayem’s leadership despite a tenure marked by controversy.
The signatories acknowledge the challenging state in which Ben Sulayem inherited the FIA and praise his turnaround efforts.
The letter reads in full:
“Dear President Mohammed, on behalf of the member clubs listed below, we write to express our sincere gratitude for your service, commitment, vision, and, above all, the delivery of your Manifesto promised to us, the members.”
“We are all acutely aware of the catastrophic financial situation you inherited. Without the decisive and bold actions you took from day one, the very future of the FIA would have been at risk. The turnaround achieved in less than four years is nothing short of extraordinary, especially when coupled with the implementation of professional management systems that you deployed in parallel.”
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“As club Presidents, we have personally felt and experienced the daily focus you and your leadership team have placed on supporting and engaging with us — the members — treating each of us with equal respect. This inclusive approach is deeply appreciated.”
“We also recognize and commend the significant efforts made by you and your team to reposition the FIA as a global leader in both mobility and motorsport. The strength and reputation of the FIA brand have clearly grown as a result of your leadership.”
“That said, we understand that four years is a short time to complete the ambitious reforms you have initiated. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to seek re-election at the upcoming AGA, so that you may continue the important work you have started, with our full support, with deep appreciation and optimism for the future, Hermanos.”
In addition to Fabiana Ecclestone – the wife of former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone – notable signatories include Carmelo Sanz de Barros, president of RACE (Real Automovil Club de España) and FIA president of the Senate.
A Calculated Move to Secure the FIA’s Future
Ben Sulayem’s first term has been a turbulent ride, marked by controversies that have fueled speculation about challengers like Sainz.
From high-profile resignations – such as deputy president for sport Robert Reid, who cited a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards” – to disputes over swearing bans that irked drivers across F1 and rallying, the Emirati’s leadership has divided opinion.
His decision to bar FIA members from World Motor Sport Council meetings for refusing non-disclosure agreements further stoked criticism, as did allegations of race interference, though he was cleared of those claims.
Yet, Ben Sulayem has also overseen a financial turnaround, with the FIA reporting a €4.7 million profit in 2024 after a €24 million loss in 2021, a point the letter emphasizes as evidence of his “decisive and bold actions.
The timing and scale of the various clubs’ endorsement strongly suggest a carefully orchestrated effort to consolidate support and create momentum ahead of the election.
Carlos Sainz Sr.
With Carlos Sainz Sr. mulling over a challenge to the presidency, Ben Sulayem’s camp appears to be sending a firm message: the incumbent’s coalition is united and prepared to maintain control.
As the FIA approaches its Annual General Assembly, the battle lines are clearly drawn. Will Ben Sulayem’s established alliances and promises of ongoing reform be enough to fend off fresh competition?
Or will rallying call by Sainz Sr. ignite a new chapter in the governance of motorsport?
For now, the letter from these powerful automobile clubs signals that Ben Sulayem has hit the gas early in the race for a second term – and he has a strong pack riding alongside him.
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