
The president of the FIA will not obstruct Sainz's attempt.
"I am the last one who cares about their actions."
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has stated that he will not obstruct anyone who wishes to challenge his position. The 63-year-old Emirati, who took over from Jean Todt in late 2021, has become a more controversial and divisive figure, managing what is seen as disorder within the Paris-based federation. He attributes much of the resentment toward him to his belief that the FIA is "overlooked" by Formula 1’s current commercial rights holder, Liberty Media.
"Unfair deals have been made with the FIA," Ben Sulayem told Reuters. "It doesn't seem logical to me that a single driver and a team principal earn more than the entire FIA, given that the FIA owns the championship."
"I have cleaned up the organization. I am the last one who cares about what they do or say," he remarked, referring to his detractors.
In light of a turbulent period during which numerous key figures at the FIA either resigned or were dismissed, several potential candidates have surfaced who may run for the presidency in the upcoming elections in December. Among these are Susie Wolff, David Richards, and Alex Wurz, but only rallying legend Carlos Sainz Sr., father of the Williams driver, has openly contemplated a candidacy.
"Let him run," Ben Sulayem asserted. "That is democracy."
Additionally, the current FIA president announced his intention to seek another term. "I believe that three years in a complex organization like the FIA is insufficient," he explained. "Do I need more time? Yes. Has it been easy? Never. Has it been enjoyable? Sometimes.
"So, I will be running."
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The president of the FIA will not obstruct Sainz's attempt.
Formula 1 | FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has stated that he will not obstruct those who wish to challenge his position. The 63-year-old Emirati, who took over from Jean (…)