FIA Election Process Ensures Ben Sulayem a Second Term Without Opposition

Mohammed Ben Sulayem is set to be re-elected unopposed as the FIA President due to an arcane rule that means his prospective rivals cannot formally run.

Ben Sulayem was elected as President in December 2021, succeeding Jean Todt, and his first term will end later this year.

Ben Sulayem will run for re-election but he is set to be the only candidate due to the manner in which the FIA’s process is undertaken.

Any prospective candidate must nominate six prospective vice-presidential candidates from each of the FIA’s assigned global regions.

The only representative for South America—Fabiana Ecclestone, the wife of ex-Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone—has already declared for Ben Sulayem.

Consequently, with no other members from South America, it is impossible for anyone to officially challenge Ben Sulayem.

The only two representatives from Africa have already sided with Ben Sulayem.

Tim Mayer, a prominent steward who was sacked in 2024, emerged earlier this year as Ben Sulayem’s primary opponent, under the FIA Forward banner, but on Friday he formally announced that he can no longer run due to the system.

In a lengthy speech, Mayer was scathing of the current structure and, even though he can no longer run, vowed to continue in his quest to reform motorsport’s governing body.

“There will be only one candidate, the incumbent,” Mayer said. “That’s not democracy—that’s the illusion of democracy. Throughout our FIA Forward campaign, we’ve spoken of fairness, reform, and integrity—of returning the FIA to its Members. But today, the outcome of this election, and the flawed process governing it, prove how far we’ve drifted from that ideal.”

“In South America, only one person stood for the WMSC. In Africa, only two. All three are directly associated with the incumbent. The result is simple: no one but the incumbent can run under this FIA system.

“In the last election cycle, more than 40 candidates came forward for the World Motor Sport Council. This time, only 29. So what changed? Did Member Clubs suddenly lose interest in shaping the sport? Or were they persuaded—pressured—or promised something not to stand? I cannot say for sure.”

Ben Sulayem is due to be formally re-elected in December.

A full transcript of Mayer’s speech is available here.