Carlos Sainz Jr. Confronts the Bitter-Sweet Truth Behind His Father’s Decision to Walk Away From Leading the FIA

The FIA presidential elections are scheduled to take place this December, but it appears that Mohammed Ben Suyalem will run unopposed. Carlos Sainz Sr. had admitted he had considered running but has decided not to.

This is following the fallout from the new states passed by the FIA. These grant the current president, Ben Suyalem, the power to veto candidates running against him. Sainz’s son, Carlos Sainz Jr., has weighed in on his father’s decision not to run.

Carlos Sainz says he understands why his father didn’t run for FIA presidency

Carlos Sainz Sr. was reportedly approached by many leading figures in motorsport to run for the FIA presidency. However, the Spanish rally champion decided not to go against the Emirati. His son, who drives for Williams, claims many people will be disappointed with the news.

Carlos Sainz Jr. said: “I think many motorsport people would have liked to see my dad giving it a go and seeing what he could have done for the sport. But I understand why he’s not.”

🚨| Carlos Sainz Sr. has WITHDRAWN from the FIA Presidential Elections https://t.co/5GXSB9ieAN

— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) June 25, 2025

Despite not running, Sainz Sr. believes that the FIA needs to change. He announced he would not run as his “present circumstances are not ideal to set the grounds for my candidacy.” He also cited that he needs to prepare for his upcoming Dakar event and has to commit to his team, Ford.

The statute changes implemented earlier this month have granted more power to Ben Suyalem. The statute says that the president has the power to bar any candidate if there is anything that “questions their professional integrity”. It will make it more difficult for people to challenge him.

Why is Mohammed Ben Suyalem controversial?

Current FIA President Mohammed Ben Suyalem has been involved in many battles with F1 drivers during his tenure. His most recent row was when he introduced harsher fines and punishments for swearing and misconduct. He eventually backtracked on this decision after months of dispute. He also clamped down on drivers wearing jewellery, much to the disdain of seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton.

FIA Reduce F1 Drivers’ Swearing Penalty Ahead of the Imola GP

Ben Suyalem has also clashed with many high-ranking officials in motorsport. The FIA’s Deputy President for Sport, Robert Reid, resigned after clashing with the President. Reid claimed that his resignation was “not about personalities; it is about principles” and stated the leadership was “not accountable“.

Motorsport UK chair David Richards has accused FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem of breaking the promises he issued when running for election. He also accused the president of trying to apply a “gagging order” when forcing everyone attending to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Ben Suyalem’s tenure has an unprecedented amount of staff turnover. Sara Mariani was the latest to leave the FIA, after her role as head of sustainability, diversity and inclusion was removed from the organisation.

With Mohammed Ben Suyalem looking like he will run unopposed, it looks as if he will run the FIA for a further four years. Is this good for motorsport? Leave your comments below.