Montoya backs Sainz Sr for FIA presidency challenge

Juan Pablo Montoya, a former F1 driver, has expressed his support for Carlos Sainz Sr to challenge Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the FIA presidency later this year.

Sainz Sr, a two-time World Rally Championship winner, announced his interest in running for the FIA presidency last week. The election is scheduled for December, where Ben Sulayem is seeking a second term. Ben Sulayem's tenure has been marked by controversies, including a recent dispute with drivers over the use of foul language. Reports also suggest Ben Sulayem is proposing significant changes to the FIA's governance, potentially allowing him more control and the ability to prevent rivals from running against him.

Montoya believes Sainz Sr would be a positive change for Formula 1 if elected.

"I really like Carlos Sainz Sr, I get on with him really well," Montoya told Spin Genie. "I think if he's running for the FIA Presidency, it would be a good change for F1 if it's necessary. At the moment, when people look at what is wrong with the sport, they blame Mohammed Ben Sulayem. For example, the swearing rules annoyed a lot of people, and he lost a lot of confidence from it. At the end of the day, if everyone in F1 hates him, wouldn't that change the votes? It's a very political system."

Conflict of interest concerns addressed

A potential concern regarding Sainz Sr's candidacy is the conflict of interest, given his son, Carlos Sainz Jr, currently races in F1 for Williams. However, Sainz Sr has dismissed these concerns, stating he would distance himself from his son's racing career.

Montoya agrees that this would not be an issue, provided Sainz Sr does not interfere with race stewards.

"Would Sainz Sr get in if it's based on votes? I don't know. Usually, FIA Presidents last a lot longer, but out of all the choices to replace Ben Sulayem, Sainz Sr is a really good one," Montoya said.

"Why would Sainz Sr want to get that involved? I'm not sure.

"He's still a driver and it's easy to say there will be a conflict of interest with his son. If something goes wrong, everyone will question that.

"With Carlos Sainz Jr at Williams, I don't think there will be a problem there. Unless Sainz Jr did something really wrong and his dad interferes with the stewards during a race, there shouldn't be a problem."