Two-Time World Champion Seeks to Shake Up Motorsport’s Governing Body

Carlos Sainz Sr., a rally legend and two-time World Rally Championship driver, is considering a run for president of the FIA, motorsport’s governing body, in December’s election. The 63-year-old Sainz, who won the drivers’ title in 1990 and 1992, would be a formidable challenger to current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, whose term has been marred by controversy.

Sainz, who is also a four-time winner of the Dakar Rally, told motorsport.com that he is “in the process of figuring out how much support I will get in the community of motorsport.” He would be running against Ben Sulayem, who has not yet formally declared his intention to run again but is known to be planning to do so.

Sainz, who has a wealth of experience in the sport, including competing in the Dakar Rally this year, believes that he can bring a fresh perspective to the FIA. “I have accumulated a lot of experience in this sport throughout the years and I’m certain I can bring new and interesting things, to strengthen and develop the sport and the automobile world,” he said.

Sources close to Sainz say that he is a consequential candidate and would have widespread support from within the sport. However, one potential issue that could arise is a conflict of interest, given that his son Carlos is an active F1 driver with Williams. Sainz dismissed this concern, saying that he has a “track record” and that people know him well enough to understand that this would not be an issue.

Ben Sulayem’s presidency has been plagued by controversy, including the resignation of his deputy president for sport, Robert Reid, last month. Reid quit citing a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards” within the FIA. The organization has also been criticized for its handling of finances and decision-making processes.

The FIA is currently facing legal action from Susie Wolff, the boss of the F1 Academy, over a conflict of interest inquiry into her and her husband, Toto Wolff. Senior FIA figures have also raised concerns about Ben Sulayem’s decision to change the organization’s statutes last year to reduce accountability.

Sainz’s potential candidacy has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, with many seeing him as a serious contender to take on Ben Sulayem. As the December election approaches, it remains to be seen whether Sainz will throw his hat into the ring and challenge the incumbent president.