Ben Sulayem Secures Second Term as FIA President in Uncontested Election

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been re-elected as President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) for a second four-year term. The election, held during the FIA's General Assembly in Uzbekistan, was uncontested after procedural requirements blocked other potential candidates from entering the race. The result grants Ben Sulayem a renewed mandate to lead motorsport's global governing body, though the election process itself faces an ongoing legal challenge.

Why it matters:

The uncontested nature of this election and the accompanying legal dispute highlight ongoing debates about governance and transparency within the FIA. As the organization that sets the rules for Formula 1 and global motorsport, its leadership directly impacts the sport's regulatory future, financial health, and grassroots development. A stable yet scrutinized presidency sets the tone for the next major rules cycle, including the pivotal 2026 regulations.

The details:

• Ben Sulayem was the sole candidate after Tim Mayer and Laura Villars failed to submit required 'presidential lists' featuring team members from specific global regions, a mandatory step for eligibility.
• A key stumbling block was the South American slot, as the only eligible candidate, Fabiana Ecclestone, was already part of Ben Sulayem's team.
• Laura Villars has initiated legal proceedings in France, arguing the process was unfair. A judge allowed the December election to proceed but scheduled a detailed hearing for February 2025 to examine her complaints.
• The FIA has firmly defended its process, stating the vote was conducted "in line with the FIA’s statutes through a robust and transparent voting process."

By the numbers:

• Second Term: Ben Sulayem's new mandate runs for four years, until 2029.
• Financial Turnaround: Under his leadership, the FIA reported a €4.7 million profit in 2024, reversing a €24 million loss in 2021.
• Future Forecast: The governing body forecasts a further €4.4 million profit for 2025.

What's next:

The immediate focus shifts to the French court hearing in February, which will scrutinize the election rules and could theoretically challenge the result. Regardless of the legal outcome, Ben Sulayem's confirmed second term allows him to continue his stated priorities: maintaining the FIA's financial stability, increasing investment in member clubs, and boosting participation in grassroots motorsport as the organization prepares for the next era of Formula 1.