Sainz Won’t Run for FIA President | F1 News
- has decided against running for president of the Fédération internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) this December.
- Sainz, who had considered a run for the FIA leadership, announced his decision via social media.
- the rally icon, a four-time Dakar winner, including the 2024 event, is set to participate in the next Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia in January with Ford.
Carlos Sainz Sr. will not contend for the FIA presidency this December, shaking up the election landscape of the FIA presidency. The rally legend, a four-time Dakar winner, cited his Dakar Rally preparation as the primary reason for withdrawing his candidacy, prioritizing his commitment to Ford and his racing career. Incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem remains the sole declared candidate amidst controversies involving changes to FIA statutes, the dismissal of senior officials, and friction with Formula 1 stakeholders. Sainz’s decision directly impacts the election landscape and raises crucial questions about the future of FIA leadership. News Directory 3 has the latest on this story. Discover what’s next for motorsports and the FIA.
Carlos Sainz Withdraws From FIA Presidency Bid Amidst Controversy
Rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr. has decided against running for president of the Fédération internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) this December. The 63-year-old Spaniard, a prominent figure in motorsports, stated that current conditions are not conducive to a accomplished candidacy for the FIA presidency.
Sainz, who had considered a run for the FIA leadership, announced his decision via social media. He expressed hope that the FIA will address what he sees as necessary changes in the coming years. His decision also reflects a commitment to his racing career; a presidential campaign would interfere with preparations for the upcoming Dakar Rally.
the rally icon, a four-time Dakar winner, including the 2024 event, is set to participate in the next Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia in January with Ford. His son, Carlos Sainz Jr., is a Formula 1 driver for Williams.
Sainz acknowledged the conflict between his FIA aspirations and his Dakar commitments. “I have realised that properly running for president would notably compromise my preparation for the Dakar and I do not wish to weaken my commitment to Ford and my team,” Sainz said.
The only declared candidate for the FIA election is the current president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.Ben Sulayem’s tenure has been marked by controversy, including changes to FIA statutes that appear to consolidate his control, the dismissal of senior FIA officials, and friction with Formula 1 stakeholders, including Liberty Media and the drivers.
the FIA is also facing a lawsuit from Susie wolff, director of the F1 Academy and wife of Mercedes motorsport head Toto Wolff. The FIA presidency remains a focal point in the world of motorsports, and Sainz’s decision impacts the election landscape. The future of FIA leadership is now squarely on Ben Sulayem.
What’s next
With Sainz out of the running, the focus shifts to Ben Sulayem’s leadership and the ongoing controversies surrounding the FIA. The upcoming election will determine the direction of the organization amid thes challenges.