FIA Presidential Election Proceeds Amidst Court Uncertainty

A Paris court has ruled that a full trial is required to examine allegations of irregularities raised by former presidential candidate Laura Villars, who launched a legal challenge in October after being unable to enter the race. The court declined to suspend the December 12 vote, meaning incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem will stand unopposed in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where he is expected to secure a second four-year term.

Why it matters:

The ongoing legal challenge, despite the election proceeding, casts a shadow over the legitimacy of the FIA's electoral process and potentially the validity of Mohammed Ben Sulayem's second term. This situation highlights deep-seated concerns about transparency and governance within one of motorsport's most powerful bodies, potentially affecting global motorsport's integrity and leadership stability.

The Details:

• Legal Challenge: Laura Villars, a former presidential hopeful, filed a legal complaint alleging irregularities after being blocked from running.
• Court Decision: A Paris court found the case too complex for immediate ruling but mandated a full trial, scheduled for February 16, 2026, to address Villars' claims.
• Unopposed Incumbent: Mohammed Ben Sulayem is set to win his second term unopposed as the court refused to suspend the election.
• Withdrawal of Candidates: Villars, along with Tim Mayer and Virginie Philippot, was forced to withdraw because only one eligible vice-presidential candidate was available for South America.
• FIA Rule: Each presidential candidate must present a slate of seven vice-presidents, one from each global region.
• Villars' Allegations: She cited the "impossibility of presenting an alternate bid" and questioned the "transparency and methods" of the nominating committee, and the "compliance of the electoral procedures."
• FIA Forward Group's Stance: Tim Mayer's group welcomed the trial, criticizing the "lack of transparency, accountability, and the excessive concentration of presidential authority" within the FIA.

What's next:

While the election will proceed, the court's decision explicitly did not endorse its validity. The outcome of the February 2026 trial could potentially review, challenge, or even annul the election results, putting the legality of Ben Sulayem's second term at stake. This ongoing legal battle signifies a critical period for the FIA, as it navigates challenges to its governance and democratic principles, with long-term implications for its leadership and the sport it governs.