FIA Removes Presidential Term Limits as Ben Sulayem Consolidates Power

The FIA has voted to remove term limits across its governing bodies, including the presidency, at Extraordinary General Assemblies in Macau. The change, widely viewed as president Mohammed Ben Sulayem consolidating his authority, was approved by a supermajority and eliminates a key check on executive power.

Why it matters:

The decision allows an incumbent to remain in office indefinitely if re-elected, fundamentally reshaping governance at motorsport's governing body. Ben Sulayem, who secured an unopposed second term in late 2025, now faces no statutory cap on a third-term bid beyond the FIA's 70-year age limit. The move raises fresh questions about democratic oversight and the centralization of power atop world motorsport.

The details:

• The statute change aligns all FIA bodies with the world councils and senate, which previously operated without term limits.
• Ben Sulayem brought the proposal forward, and it passed by an overwhelming majority of global delegates.
• Rising barriers: The FIA tightened eligibility criteria for presidential candidates. Challengers must now demonstrate substantial experience within an FIA member club or body, making outsider campaigns far more difficult.
• Rebranded oversight: The nominations committee is now the "eligibility assessment committee," reflecting its expanded role in screening candidates.

Between the lines:

At 64, Ben Sulayem could now seek a third term in 2029 without the previous statutory ceiling. He would hit the 70-year age limit during that term, but having already scrapped term limits, that final barrier could come under pressure in subsequent assemblies. For Formula 1 and global motorsport, the vote signals an era of fewer institutional constraints on the FIA presidency.