A third candidate has surfaced in the race to overthrow the FIA president.

      "He’s a complete expert, he possesses knowledge."

      Another possible contender for Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s position as president of the Formula 1 governing body FIA might have surfaced. Osterreich, an Austrian publication that frequently features exclusive interviews with Dr. Helmut Marko and Toto Wolff, suggests that former F1 driver Alex Wurz has joined Carlos Sainz Sr. as a potential candidate for the December elections.

      The 51-year-old Austrian Wurz, who is already engaged with the FIA as a co-director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, a commentator for Austrian television ORF, and involved with a company that builds racetracks, is being encouraged to run "by a growing number of people."

      Ben Sulayem has become a polarizing figure in the F1 paddock and within the Paris-based federation he leads, especially as he oversees a concerning departure of key individuals from the FIA. In addition to Carlos Sainz’s father and namesake, another name associated with the December FIA presidential elections is former F1 team boss David Richards.

      Osterreich reports, "An increasing number of insiders are advocating for former Le Mans winner Alexander Wurz to become the next head of the world motorsport governing body." The ex-Benetton, McLaren, and Williams driver has already garnered support from 1996 world champion Damon Hill, who stated, "He’s a complete expert, he possesses knowledge, and he places great emphasis on driver safety." Hill added, "Wurz as FIA president? That would be the ideal role for him."

      Regarding Sainz Sr.’s candidacy, his son has indicated that his father has not yet made a final decision about running. "It’s interesting that this is not something he initiated himself," said Williams driver Sainz, 30. "Many people in the paddock have gradually considered it, approached him, and recommended it. He’s contemplating it now," he shared. "He hasn’t formed a roster or a team yet, but depending on how he perceives the situation, he’ll either pursue it or not."