Paris, Oct 9 (AP) - Mohammed Ben Sulayem is poised for re-election without opposition as the president of the FIA, the governing body for motor racing that oversees Formula 1. This development follows the release of a candidate list for other positions, indicating that potential challengers may struggle to form the required campaign team.
Candidates for the FIA presidency must submit a list comprising seven vice-presidential candidates from different global regions. Notably, this list must include a candidate from South America. Among the 29 eligible candidates listed on the FIA website, Brazilian Fabiana Ecclestone stands as the only South American.
Ben Sulayem has previously announced on social media that Ecclestone, who is married to former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, is part of his presidential team. The regulations prevent a candidate from being on more than one team, and the FIA confirms the current list of 29 eligible individuals is definitive.
With the entry deadline for prospective FIA presidents set for Oct. 24, the scarcity of eligible South American officials suggests Ben Sulayem might be the sole candidate able to present a valid list of vice-presidents. In such a scenario, his re-election for a second four-year term would be confirmed at the FIA general assembly in Uzbekistan this December.
Having led the FIA since 2021, Ben Sulayem's tenure has seen notable disagreements with some F1 drivers, especially over his opposition to swearing—a stance the FIA eventually softened by reducing fines. His term has also been marked by significant staff departures from the governing body.
Declared critics of Ben Sulayem include Tim Mayer, an American former F1 race steward who has accused him of not fulfilling promises and marginalizing dissenting staff. Swiss racing driver Laura Villars and Belgian journalist Virginie Philipott have both announced their plans to run in hopes of becoming the FIA's first female president.
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