FIA Presidential Race Takes Twist: Ben Sulayem Poised to Run Unopposed

The upcoming FIA presidential election has taken a significant turn, with incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem now seemingly on track to run unopposed for a second term. The current situation suggests that his challengers will be unable to meet the stringent eligibility requirements to stand against him in the December 12 vote.

Why it matters:

• This development effectively preempts any real contest for the FIA's top leadership position, potentially signaling a period of continued stability under Ben Sulayem's current administration.
• The lack of opposition raises questions about the accessibility and fairness of the FIA's election process, especially for candidates from less established regions or those without strong existing ties to the incumbent.

The Details:

• Challengers' Hurdles: Three potential alternative candidates—former chief F1 steward Tim Mayer, Laura Villars, and Virginie Philipott—had expressed intentions to challenge Ben Sulayem.
• Presidential List Requirement: To be on the ballot, a candidate must submit a 'presidential list' by October 24. This list requires a team of 10 other individuals: a president of the senate, a deputy president for automobile mobility and tourism, a deputy president for sport, and seven vice-presidents for sport.
• Regional Vice-President Quota: The seven vice-presidents for sport must be selected from an FIA-approved list of eligible World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) candidates and must represent diverse regions: one each from North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, Africa, MENA, and two from Europe.
• The Critical Shortfall: The FIA's recently published list of 29 eligible WMSC candidates reveals a key problem for challengers:
  • Only one candidate from South America, Fabiana Ecclestone (Brazil), is on the list, and she has already pledged support for Ben Sulayem's team.
  • Election rules prohibit candidates from appearing on more than one presidential list, making it impossible for any other challenger to fulfill the South American regional requirement.
  • Similarly, the two African candidates—Rodrigo Rocha (Mozambique) and Amina C Mohamed (Kenya)—are also known supporters of Ben Sulayem, with Rocha already part of his list.

Between the lines:

• An Unclear Emergence: It remains unclear how a situation arose where Ben Sulayem's rivals were left without eligible WMSC candidates from crucial regions.
• Experienced Challengers: Tim Mayer, with his extensive FIA experience, would have been acutely aware of the election rules and the need for regional representation.
• Potential Reasons for Shortfall: Possible explanations include clubs declining to put forward WMSC candidates, missing the September 19 deadline, or having their applications rejected by the Nominations Committee.
• FIA's Stance: Due to election rules, the FIA cannot comment on individual candidates in the interest of neutrality.

What's next:

If Ben Sulayem's rivals fail to assemble a valid presidential list by the October 24 deadline, the election will effectively conclude without a vote, leaving Ben Sulayem to secure a second term unopposed. This outcome would mark a significant moment for the FIA, as it navigates its future leadership without a contested election.