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, securing his leadership of motorsport's global governing body until the end of 2029. The election, held during the FIA General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, saw Ben Sulayem run unopposed after potential challengers withdrew due to insufficient backing from member clubs.

Why it matters:

The re-election solidifies the leadership direction of the FIA during a pivotal period for motorsport, including the finalization of major regulatory changes for Formula 1 from 2026. As the first non-European president, Ben Sulayem's continued tenure signals stability for the federation's financial and institutional reforms initiated during his first term.

The details:

• Ben Sulayem, a former rally driver, was first elected in 2021, succeeding Jean Todt.
• Key deputies were also re-elected, including Malcolm Wilson OBE (Deputy President for Sport) and Tim Shearman (Deputy President for Automobile Mobility and Tourism).
• The FIA credits his first term with turning a significant operating loss into a financial surplus.
• Under his leadership, the federation has advanced institutional reforms and finalized the foundational regulatory framework for the 2026 F1 season.
• Ben Sulayem has become a visible presence in F1, introducing a President's Medal presented to race winners on the podium alongside the traditional trophy.

What's next:

Ben Sulayem's second term will be defined by the implementation of the 2026 F1 regulations and managing the sport's continued evolution. His stated commitment is to deliver for the FIA's global member clubs across both motorsport and mobility sectors, aiming to build on the financial and structural foundations established in his first four years.