F1 drivers are thrilled as the pressure increases on the FIA president.

      "It would be a fantastic addition to run for president."

      Formula 1 drivers have expressed their excitement over the potential management changes at the highest level of the sport. The controversial FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is expected to face challenges in the upcoming presidential elections in December, with none other than the rallying legend and father of Williams driver Carlos Sainz, the 63-year-old Carlos Sainz, stepping up.

      "I have my biases," Sainz, 30, said while smiling to Spanish reporters at Imola. "But if anyone can eliminate the politics from this, it’s my father. He’s guided by common sense."

      Collectively, F1 drivers have been outraged by Ben Sulayem's stringent driver behavior guidelines, which include harsh penalties for actions such as swearing. Ben Sulayem has since softened the harshness of the 'Appendix B' rules.

      George Russell, co-director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, suggested that this change could be "strategic timing" on Ben Sulayem’s part, considering the Sainz rumors. About the less severe driver penalties, the Mercedes driver remarked, "We’re not going to thank him for something that was so outrageous in the first place. We shouldn't even be having this discussion."

      Russell disputed Ben Sulayem’s assertion that he had extensive consultations with the drivers regarding this change. "We’ve had no communication with anyone from the senior level at the FIA," the Briton stated. "So yes, it all seems a bit suspicious."

      Some speculate that the recent appointment of Lewis Hamilton’s father, Anthony, to a senior role in the FIA’s young driver program is a move by Ben Sulayem to mollify his critics. However, seven-time world champion Hamilton mentioned at Imola that Ben Sulayem’s initial driver guidelines were "ridiculous."

      "It feels a bit chaotic there at the moment," the Ferrari driver added. "Certainly, numerous changes are required."

      Max Verstappen, who famously undertook FIA community service over the winter for using profanity in a press conference, was asked whether he thought Sainz would be a better president. He replied, "You can draw your own conclusions. People might think it’s a conflict of interest because of his son, but I believe he’s professional enough to keep them separate." The Dutchman then stated, "I think it would be a great addition to run for president."