FIA President Ben Sulayem Begins New Term Amid Praise from F1 Chiefs

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has secured a new term, running unopposed after the World Motor Sport Council's selection process effectively cleared the field. His re-election comes with public endorsements from key Formula 1 figures, including Mercedes' Toto Wolff and McLaren's Zak Brown, signaling a period of relative stability and alignment between the governing body and the sport's top teams.

Why it matters:

Ben Sulayem's continued leadership, backed by influential team principals, suggests a unified front as F1 navigates its next era under the 2026 regulations. The public support from Wolff and Brown indicates a collaborative relationship, which is crucial for implementing major changes and ensuring the sport's long-term health and commercial success.

The details:

• Unopposed Re-election: Ben Sulayem ran without opposition after the WMSC selected only Fabiana Ecclestone as a vice-presidential candidate from the South American region, who was a supporter of his, thereby eliminating any potential rivals.
• Toto Wolff's Endorsement: The Mercedes team principal praised Ben Sulayem's broad understanding of motorsport, his funding of grassroots initiatives, and his focus on safety. Wolff highlighted the importance of continued alignment between the FIA, Liberty Media, and the teams to develop F1 into its next stage.
• Zak Brown's Praise: The McLaren CEO lauded the President's "greatest achievement" as securing the 2026 Concorde Agreement "quietly, out of the media, and in a fair and balanced way." Brown stated the sport has "never been healthier" due to a shared focus on its best interests, led by Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
• Bernie Ecclestone's Support: Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone also weighed in, encouraging Ben Sulayem to continue his straightforward and honest approach, stating he has done a "first-class job" by working for the good of the sport.

Looking ahead:

With the 2026 regulations on the horizon, Ben Sulayem's new term will be defined by his ability to maintain this collaborative spirit. The successful implementation of the new power unit regulations and chassis rules will be a major test of his leadership and the strong relationships he appears to have cultivated with the sport's key stakeholders.