Mohammed Ben Sulayem Re-elected as FIA President for Second Term

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been re-elected as President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) for a second four-year term, formalizing his leadership after running unopposed in the election. The decision was confirmed by a vote of the FIA General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, securing his position at the helm of Formula 1's governing body until at least 2028.

Why it matters:

Ben Sulayem's unchallenged re-election solidifies his influence over the strategic direction of global motorsport and automotive mobility for the coming years. His tenure will oversee critical periods, including the introduction of new technical regulations in 2026 and ongoing negotiations over the sport's commercial future, making stable leadership a significant factor for teams, promoters, and stakeholders.

The details:

• The election process required candidates to present a complete slate of vice presidents from all FIA global regions, a hurdle other potential candidates could not overcome.
• Only one candidate from South America, Fabianna Ecclestone, was on the official list, and she was already part of Ben Sulayem's existing team, effectively leaving him without a direct rival.
• Alongside Ben Sulayem, key figures were also re-elected, including Deputy President for Sport Malcolm Wilson and Deputy President for Automobile Mobility and Tourism Tim Shearman.
• The new World Motor Sport Council and World Council for Automobile Mobility and Tourism were also elected, with their terms extending to the 2029 General Assembly elections.

The big picture:

Ben Sulayem, who succeeded Jean Todt in late 2021, has presided over a period of significant scrutiny and evolution for the FIA. His first term was marked by high-profile controversies, including the handling of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale and public clashes with Formula 1's commercial rights holder, Liberty Media. His unchallenged second term suggests a consolidation of power within the federation's existing structures, but it also places the focus squarely on his administration's ability to navigate the sport's future challenges with greater consensus and less public friction.