Carlos Sainz Sr drops FIA bid citing Dakar prep, opening door for Ben Sulayem re-election amid FIA governance controversy and 2025 leadership changes.
Introduction
Carlos Sainz Sr, the Spanish rallying icon and three-time Dakar Rally champion, has officially withdrawn from the race for the Carlos Sainz Sr FIA presidency bid. His exit virtually confirms that incumbent president Mohammed Ben Sulayem will stand unopposed in the upcoming FIA presidential election 2025, scheduled for December in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This decision, though anticipated by some, still carries weight in a year marked by FIA governance controversy, resignations, and growing discontent within the motorsport governing body.
So why did Sainz Sr step back? And what does this mean for the future of the FIA motorsport leadership? Let’s break it all down.
Table of Contents
| Sr# | Headings |
|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Sainz Sr Drops Out of FIA Race |
| 2 | Why Carlos Sainz Sr Won’t Run for FIA President |
| 3 | Sainz Sr Dakar Rally 2025 Preparation Takes Priority |
| 4 | The FIA Election Tashkent December 2025 Timeline |
| 5 | FIA Presidential Campaign Rules Tighten |
| 6 | Mohammed Ben Sulayem Unopposed: What It Means |
| 7 | FIA Internal Resignations 2025 Raise Eyebrows |
| 8 | Sara Mariani FIA Dismissal Sparks Diversity Debate |
| 9 | Ben Sulayem Re-election Gains Support Despite Criticism |
| 10 | FIA Financial Results 2024 Add Momentum to Incumbent |
| 11 | Robert Reid FIA Resignation and Governance Allegations |
| 12 | What Needs Fixing? Sainz Sr’s Vision for FIA Leadership Changes 2025 |
| 13 | FIA Election Candidate Deadline: A Hidden Hurdle |
| 14 | Motorsport Governance News: Reactions from the Paddock |
| 15 | Conclusion: A Presidency That Could Have Been |
Carlos Sainz Sr Drops Out of FIA Race
In a heartfelt message posted to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Carlos Sainz Sr officially announced that he would not pursue his candidacy for the FIA presidential election 2025. Despite months of evaluating the feasibility of mounting a challenge, he concluded that “the present circumstances are not ideal to set the grounds for my candidacy.”
Why Carlos Sainz Sr Won’t Run for FIA President
Sainz Sr didn’t just wake up and decide to walk away. His statement revealed a deep evaluation of the FIA’s current structure, its complexities, and the political terrain. He openly admitted that running for the presidency would “notably compromise” his performance in the Dakar Rally 2025, just weeks after the December 12 election.
Sainz Sr Dakar Rally 2025 Preparation Takes Priority
The Dakar Rally is no Sunday drive. It’s one of the most grueling motorsport events on the planet. For a veteran like Sainz, who still competes at the highest level, preparing for this rally is a full-time commitment. Running a campaign for the FIA presidency while training for Dakar would be like juggling flaming swords while running a marathon.
The FIA Election Tashkent December 2025 Timeline
The next FIA presidential election is set for December 12, 2025, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. While that may seem distant, the internal deadlines were quietly moved forward, limiting the time any new candidate had to build alliances or structure a campaign.
FIA Presidential Campaign Rules Tighten
One of the changes passed by the FIA recently was the early deadline for candidate registration. This shift placed immense pressure on outsiders like Sainz to fast-track their campaigns—something that ultimately played into his decision to back out. The system appears increasingly stacked in favor of the incumbent.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem Unopposed: What It Means
With Carlos Sainz Sr dropping out of the FIA race, Mohammed Ben Sulayem is now poised to secure a second term—unopposed. This means no electoral debate, no challenger manifestos, and no scrutiny through competitive democracy within the FIA. Essentially, motorsport’s top governing role may pass hands without so much as a vote being cast.
FIA Internal Resignations 2025 Raise Eyebrows
The internal workings of the FIA have recently been turbulent. Robert Reid, the FIA’s former Deputy President for Sport, resigned earlier this year, citing a “breakdown in governance standards.” These are not words tossed around lightly, and they raise questions about the transparency and integrity within the organization.
Sara Mariani FIA Dismissal Sparks Diversity Debate
More controversy came with the Sara Mariani FIA dismissal. Once head of the department for sustainability, diversity, and inclusion, her abrupt firing fueled ongoing concerns about the FIA’s true commitment to progressive values. Ironically, this was the same department Ben Sulayem had once highlighted to counter sexism allegations stemming from his past comments.
Ben Sulayem Re-election Gains Support Despite Criticism
Despite these setbacks, Ben Sulayem has managed to secure broad support. Earlier in 2025, 36 automobile clubs—many from the Americas—voiced their backing for his re-election. Whether this is loyalty, political strategy, or satisfaction with his performance is unclear. But the numbers are stacked in his favor.
FIA Financial Results 2024 Add Momentum to Incumbent
One big feather in Ben Sulayem’s cap is the FIA’s 2024 financial report, which showed an operating profit of €4.7 million—its best in eight years. This came just as he declared his re-election intent, giving his campaign a financial credibility boost many critics didn’t expect.
Robert Reid FIA Resignation and Governance Allegations
Robert Reid’s resignation sent shockwaves through motorsport circles. When the second-highest official publicly criticizes an organization’s ethics, people listen. He was not just a disgruntled employee—he was a foundational pillar of FIA sports governance. His departure amplified calls for reform and transparency.
What Needs Fixing? Sainz Sr’s Vision for FIA Leadership Changes 2025
Though stepping away, Carlos Sainz Sr didn’t hold back his thoughts. He emphasized that the organization needs important changes and expressed hope that future leadership—possibly even Ben Sulayem—would act accordingly. His vision seemed to be about modernizing the FIA while maintaining its competitive core.
FIA Election Candidate Deadline: A Hidden Hurdle
By moving the FIA election candidate deadline earlier, the federation inadvertently—or deliberately—made it harder for late entries to compete. For someone like Sainz, who needed time to build a support network, this was a major obstacle.
Motorsport Governance News: Reactions from the Paddock
The motorsport world is buzzing. Many drivers, teams, and analysts have reacted with mixed emotions. While some appreciate Ben Sulayem’s stability and financial stewardship, others worry that a lack of competition at the top could lead to stagnation or further governance issues.
Conclusion: A Presidency That Could Have Been
Carlos Sainz Sr’s decision to walk away from the FIA presidential race might seem like the end of a chapter—but it may just be the beginning of a new narrative in FIA politics. His withdrawal exposes both the challenges of entering motorsport governance and the systemic barriers that exist. As for Ben Sulayem, the path is now clear for another term—but the shadows of controversy, resignations, and discontent still loom.
FAQs
1. Why did Carlos Sainz Sr decide not to run for FIA president?
He cited timing issues, the demands of the campaign, and his Dakar Rally 2025 preparation as key reasons for withdrawing.
2. When is the FIA presidential election scheduled?
The FIA election will be held on December 12, 2025, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
3. Is Mohammed Ben Sulayem facing any opposition in the upcoming election?
No, following Carlos Sainz Sr’s withdrawal, Ben Sulayem is expected to run unopposed.
4. What controversies have surrounded Ben Sulayem’s tenure?
His presidency has seen several internal resignations, the dismissal of Sara Mariani, and backlash over past sexist remarks.
5. What are some of the recent changes in FIA governance?
Key changes include the earlier candidate deadline, which has impacted new entries, and a growing call for reform following senior governance resignations.
