FIA President Ben Sulayem Set for Unopposed Second Term Amid Governance Concerns

Mohammed Ben Sulayem is poised to secure a second term as president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) this December, running unopposed due to a unique loophole in the organization's election rules. This development comes despite growing concerns from former employees and internal critics regarding governance standards and democratic processes within motorsport's global governing body.

Why it matters:

After a turbulent first term marked by high-profile resignations and accusations of a "reign of terror," Ben Sulayem's likely unopposed re-election highlights fundamental issues within the FIA's governance structure. This situation could further erode trust among motorsport series, promoters, and commercial partners, potentially impacting the sport's global integrity and democratic accountability.

The Details:

• Unopposed Candidacy: Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA president since December 2021, confirmed his intention to seek a second term and is now the sole candidate.
• Election Loophole: FIA election rules require presidential hopefuls to submit a list of prospective vice presidents, including one from each of the six global regions. The current FIA World Motorsport Council (WMSC) list only contains one candidate from South America, Fabiana Ecclestone (wife of Bernie Ecclestone), who is already part of Ben Sulayem's team.
  • This effectively prevents any other candidate from fulfilling the requirement to name a South American vice president, thus barring them from entering the election.
• Criticism from Within: Robert Reid, former deputy president for sport at the FIA, resigned in April, citing a "breakdown in governance standards." He stated on LinkedIn, "If the incumbent already controls those names in any region through persuasion, pressure or promise, then no challenger can form." Reid added that "Centralised control may feel efficient, but it is brittle."
• Questionable Eligibility: Doubts have also been raised about the eligibility of Daniel Coen from Costa Rica on the WMSC nominees list, as members must represent countries hosting international motorsport events, which Costa Rica does not. Coen is Ben Sulayem's nominee for vice-president for sport representing North America.
• Statute Changes: Recent changes to the FIA's statutes, including a new rule allowing the FIA Senate (controlled by Ben Sulayem) to nominate two candidates to the WMSC, have drawn criticism. Austria's national motoring club, the OAMTC, warned of a "dark period of democratic backsliding."
• High-Profile Exits: Several senior figures, including Robert Reid, Tim Mayer, race director Niels Wittich, and chief executive Natalie Robyn, have left the FIA and questioned Ben Sulayem's leadership. Mayer accused Ben Sulayem of a "failure in leadership" and a "reign of terror," while Robyn cited "serious ongoing structural challenges."

Between the lines:

While Ben Sulayem denies the accusations, the circumstances surrounding his re-election campaign paint a picture of an organization whose internal mechanisms are being exploited to consolidate power. The inability of other candidates to even enter the race, due to what critics describe as an orchestrated control over regional nominee lists, contradicts the FIA's stated commitment to "the highest standards of governance, transparency and democracy."

What's next:

Ben Sulayem's re-election will likely proceed, but the underlying tensions and accusations of democratic backsliding are unlikely to dissipate. The long-term implications for the FIA's credibility and its relationship with F1 stakeholders, including teams, promoters, and fans, could be significant if these governance issues remain unaddressed. Maintaining trust in the integrity of motorsport's governing body is paramount for the sport's continued global appeal and success.