Carlos Sainz Sr is contemplating working towards Mohammed Ben Sulayem to be the subsequent FIA president.
Sources near the previous World Rally champion and Dakar winner stated that a number of key figures from inside the motorsport world have approached him about working towards Ben Sulayem, the present FIA president.
Motorsport.com understands that Sainz, the daddy of Williams F1 driver Carlos Sainz, is now severely contemplating whether or not to face towards Ben Sulayem, whose tenure as president of F1’s governing physique has been marred by controversy.
If 63-year-old Sainz have been to face towards Ben Sulayem, himself a former rally driver, sources stated it might be to “current a constructive and constructive program” to offer the FIA delegates another choice within the election for president.
Ben Sulayem, additionally 63, was elected president on the finish of 2021 – changing Jean Todt, who had served for 12 years.
The following election is on the finish of this yr, although no date has been confirmed.
Earlier within the yr, there was hypothesis that Susie Wolff, managing director of F1 Academy, may run for president, however these rumours have been shut down.
Ben Sulayem’s time period in workplace has been hit by a swathe of controversies. Most not too long ago, the FIA has seen a string of key figures leaving the governing physique. Robert Reid, deputy president for sport, left final month, stating “a basic breakdown in governance requirements” and “essential selections being made with out due course of”.
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In February, a number of FIA members have been barred from a gathering of its world council after refusing to signal a non-disclosure settlement. Reid was a type of who refused to signal, alongside David Richards, the UK’s consultant. Richards subsequently issued an open letter through which it made clear {that a} rising variety of folks had considerations in regards to the governance of the FIA.
“The governance and constitutional organisation of the FIA is turning into ever extra opaque and concentrating energy within the fingers of the president alone”. Richards stated. “We can not enable a shift of the ethical compass of our management to easily dismiss any request for transparency and open discourse.”
Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President, Nikolas Tombazis, FIA Single Seater Director
Photograph by: Rudy Carezzevoli / Motorsport Pictures
Ben Sulayem has not been embroiled in controversy with simply FIA members however has additionally upset drivers over his ban on swearing.
Rally drivers protested by refusing to offer interviews in English, whereas F1 drivers wrote an open letter asking to be handled like adults.
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Different controversies involving Ben Sulayem embody the Emirati being investigated for potential meddling in a race end result, one thing he was later cleared of. He obtained a ‘stop and desist’ letter from F1’s attorneys over feedback he made on social media in regards to the worth of System 1. Historic quotes additionally emerged of him making misogynistic remarks.
On the finish of 2023, the FIA, underneath Ben Sulayem’s steerage, additionally launched a compliance inquiry into Mercedes workforce principal Toto Wolff and his spouse, Susie, on the grounds of a battle of curiosity. The declare was withdrawn inside two days after the entire different 9 groups issued a joint assertion stating they’d no downside, and there may be now a authorized case towards the FIA ongoing because of this.
Different figures are anticipated to emerge in a bid to run towards Ben Sulayem.
On this article
Rebecca Clancy
System 1
Common
WRC
Carlos Sainz Sr
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