FIA vote clears path for indefinite Ben Sulayem presidency

The FIA has removed presidential term limits, allowing Mohammed Ben Sulayem to remain in office indefinitely after member clubs approved the change in Macau. Previously capped at three four-year terms, Ben Sulayem—who began his second term last December—would have been forced out after 12 years.

Why it matters:

The shift eliminates a key governance safeguard introduced by Jean Todt and consolidates long-term power in Ben Sulayem's hands. It follows a controversial 2024 election where procedural hurdles blocked all challengers, leaving the incumbent to run unopposed and raising questions about democratic accountability.

The details:

• The vote: Member clubs backed the amendment with roughly 90.7% support, per BBC Sport. The FIA said the change aligns term-limit rules across all its bodies.
• Historical context: Todt introduced the 12-year cap during his 2009-2021 tenure. Ben Sulayem took office in late 2021 and won a second unopposed term last December.
• Barriers to entry: Last year's race required candidates to nominate vice-presidents from all six FIA global regions. Rivals failed after South America's sole representative backed Ben Sulayem. American official Tim Mayer called the process "theatre" rather than democracy.
• Further changes: Hopefuls must now show substantial experience within an FIA member organization. An age limit of 70 remains, though reports suggest it could be the next target.

What's next:

Ben Sulayem now faces no mandatory exit date and can keep seeking re-election indefinitely as long as he retains member club backing. While he frames the move as progress toward stronger governance, critics argue it weakens democratic accountability at the top of world motorsport.