Background: The FIA and its President

The FIA is the governing body for many forms of motorsport, including Formula 1, and the federation of motoring organizations. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, an Emirati businessman and former rally driver, was first elected as FIA President in December 2021 [FIA Official Announcement], promising to increase global motorsport participation and improve the sustainability of the sport.

The 2023 Election and Challenges

Ben Sulayem’s path to reelection wasn’t without obstacles. Both American Tim Mayer and Swiss Laura Villars initially announced thier candidacy but ultimately failed to meet the requirements for nomination. According to FIA election rules, each candidate must assemble a slate of potential vice-presidents representing all FIA global regions. [Motorsport.com: FIA Election Explained]

A key difficulty stemmed from limited representation within the FIA structure. There was onyl one South American candidate on the official list, Fabiana Ecclestone (wife of former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone), who had already committed to Ben Sulayem’s team. This effectively blocked potential candidates from forming a complete regional slate.

Ongoing Legal Challenge

Laura Villars has initiated a legal challenge in France against the election process. The first hearing in this case took place on December 13, 2023, coinciding with the FIA General assembly. [Reuters: FIA President Sulayem Reelected Amid legal Challenge] The specifics of the challenge haven’t been fully disclosed, but it reportedly concerns the fairness and transparency of the election procedures.

Ben Sulayem’s Vision and Priorities

throughout his presidency, Ben Sulayem has emphasized a commitment to making mobility “more lasting, and more affordable mobility worldwide.” [FIA Foundation: ben Sulayem Appointed Chairman] He also serves as the chairman of the FIA Foundation, an self-reliant UK-registered charity focused on promoting sustainable transport and road safety.

His priorities include:

• Increasing diversity and inclusion within motorsport.
• Strengthening the financial stability of the FIA.
• Promoting innovation in sustainable technologies.
• Enhancing road safety globally.

FIA foundation Role

Ben Sulayem’s role as chairman of the FIA Foundation highlights the organization’s commitment to broader societal impact beyond motorsport. The FIA Foundation supports research and advocacy initiatives aimed at improving road safety