Carlos Sainz Sr has mentioned “now’s the appropriate time” to contemplate working for FIA president, as he dismissed any suggestion of a battle of curiosity.
Talking completely to Motorsport.com, the two-time World Rally champion mentioned he was “presently within the technique of determining how a lot help I’ll get from the neighborhood of motorsport”.
The following presidential election might be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on 12 December, and incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem is predicted to hunt a second time period. No different candidates have but come ahead.
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Sainz, who nonetheless races and received the Dakar Rally in 2024 with Audi, mentioned he had beforehand thought of working as head of the governing physique of motorsport however by no means critically prior to now.
“There are many causes, however I’ve been driving for greater than 40 years and this sport has given me every little thing,” he mentioned.
“This risk [of being president] has been in my thoughts for a while now, not very deeply, however now I believe it might be the appropriate time in my profession for me to take the step. I’m assured I can do a great job and put collectively a wonderful crew to provide again to the game a part of what it has given me.
“I’ve gathered quite a lot of expertise on this sport all through the years and I’m sure I can deliver new and attention-grabbing issues, to strengthen and develop the game and the car world.”
Sainz is the daddy of Williams F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr, and when requested if there can be a battle of curiosity, Sainz Sr insisted that he would do every little thing wanted to make sure there wasn’t.
“I’ve my observe file and folks know me properly sufficient to know that this is not going to be a difficulty. Clearly, I should step down relating to my function with Carlos and his profession however this isn’t a difficulty in any respect,” he mentioned.
“He isn’t a baby anymore, he has been in F1 for a decade now and we each know that if I am going forward with this undertaking our relationship will change, in fact.
“The FIA is a really severe entity and there might be no battle.”
Carlos Sainz Sr and his son in 2023
Picture by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Pictures
When requested what he would deliver to the function, Sainz mentioned it could be his observe file of how he has beforehand labored.
“Effectively, all people has his personal approach of working [an organisation], his personal beliefs on what’s finest and his personal approach of understanding this sport and the world of mobility,” he mentioned.
“I believe my observe file reveals that after I’m dedicated to one thing I solely know one method to do issues, which is professionally, critically and easy. Then will probably be as much as the neighborhood to resolve.”
The FIA has seen relations with Components 1 strained over the previous few years because of the checklist of controversies.
Sainz wouldn’t be drawn on Ben Sulayem’s controversial time period in workplace, by which he was investigated for doubtlessly influencing the end result of a race, has fallen out with the drivers throughout completely different collection over his ban on swearing, and has not too long ago confronted an exodus of senior executives from the Paris-based organisation.
“I believe clearly these days there was some controversy, however I wish to consider myself. I depart the judgment to others,” he mentioned.
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“If I do that [run for president] it is not going to be to struggle anybody, will probably be out of ardour and love for motorsport, as a result of I imagine I may also help and enhance sure issues.
“I imagine it’s in all probability the appropriate time for me personally and professionally, and that’s the reason I’m contemplating it.”
Sainz mentioned that his earlier function as a driver meant he would guarantee he listened to everybody concerned within the sport to enhance relations between the governing physique and the completely different racing our bodies.
“I’ve been on the opposite facet of motorsport and I understand how vital it’s to hearken to all people – drivers, groups, followers, organizers, promoters, social, producers. I really assume I could make that relationship a lot smoother and stronger,” he mentioned.
“I wish to see the way forward for the FIA as an entity that’s actually appreciated and revered by all people.”
Sainz will now decide how a lot help he has earlier than deciding if he’ll formally put himself ahead as a candidate.
On this article
Rebecca Clancy
Components 1
Normal
WRC
Carlos Sainz Sr
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