FIA officially abolishes presidential term limits

The FIA has officially abolished term limits for its president, scrapping the previous cap of three four-year terms. The decision was ratified at a General Assembly meeting in Macau ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, allowing incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem to run for re-election indefinitely once his current term ends in 2029.

Why it matters:

The change fundamentally alters the governance of Formula 1’s governing body and secures long-term stability for Ben Sulayem, who was re-elected unopposed in 2025. By eliminating the ceiling that forced Jean Todt to step aside in 2021 after three terms, the FIA has opened the door to extended leadership that could shape the sport’s regulatory direction for decades.

The details:

• Previous rules: The FIA president was limited to a maximum of three four-year terms, a threshold Todt reached before Ben Sulayem took office.
• Current status: Ben Sulayem secured his second term in 2025 after running unopposed. Under the old rules, the 2029 election would have marked his final eligibility; now, he can seek additional terms without restriction.
• Process: The amendment was confirmed following a vote at the General Assembly, though the FIA did not disclose specific voting margins or dissent among member clubs.

What's next:

With no term ceiling in place, Ben Sulayem’s influence over Formula 1’s future regulations and commercial direction is set to deepen. The move signals the FIA’s willingness to back a long-term vision, but it also raises questions about succession planning and the concentration of power at the top of the governing hierarchy.