Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the current FIA president, who has been embroiled in numerous controversies, announced earlier this week that he will seek re-election as the head of motorsport’s global governing body.
Ben Sulayem became FIA president in December 2021, and his tenure has been marked by considerable turbulence.
He has been accused of an authoritarian leadership style, and several controversies in both Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship.
While no official challengers have yet stepped forward, rally legend Carlos Sainz has expressed interest in running for FIA president. Ben Sulayem has already stated he would welcome Sainz as a rival in the race.
Top drivers in the WRC would be happy to see Sainz take the helm of the FIA.
“Well, the only thing I can say is that I’ve always had massive respect for Carlos, and I like him a lot as a person as well,” said eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier in an interview with RallyJournal.com.
“If I’m honest, I’ll be happy and I’ll support him running for that if I can. I don’t know what kind of power I have in that – probably little – but yeah, I was happy to read this news,” Ogier continued.
Hyundai’s reigning world champion Thierry Neuville is also fully behind Sainz.
“I will be cheering for him,” Neuville stated.
The FIA’s next president will be elected in December. The term lasts four years.
