FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem looks set for an uncontested re-election this December, after a list published on October 8 suggested that potential challengers are unlikely to secure the necessary support to stand.
Limited Regional Representation Narrows the Race
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) released the names of 29 individuals eligible for its World Motor Sport Council (WMSC). Under FIA rules, each presidential candidate must select a team of seven vice-presidents for sport from this list to qualify for a vote — two from Europe and one each from South America, North America, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East/North Africa.
However, South America has only one eligible candidate: Brazilian Fabiana Ecclestone, the current FIA vice-president for sport for the continent and one of the most senior women within the organisation. The FIA noted that the lack of other candidates from South America could be due to no nominations being submitted by member clubs or potential candidates failing to gain committee approval.
Challengers Face Setbacks
Africa’s list is also limited, featuring only two names: Kenya’s Amina Mohamed and Mozambique’s Rodrigo Rocha, both of whom have declared support for Ben Sulayem, with Rocha already included in his re-election team.
Three individuals have so far expressed their intention to challenge the Emirati incumbent: American former Formula One chief steward Tim Mayer, Swiss racer Laura Villars, and Belgian model and journalist Virginie Philippot. Yet, none of them has announced their teams, a requirement for formal candidacy.
Ben Sulayem, who took office in 2021, has faced a turbulent first term but confirmed his running mates in September. Mayer, expected to attend the US Grand Prix in Austin next week, has not yet commented publicly on the situation.
Candidates must finalise and submit their lists by October 24, and cannot include anyone already attached to another presidential ticket.
The FIA presidential election will take place on December 12 during the organisation’s General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Kursiv also reports that McLaren Racing chief Zak Brown has denied misleading Alex Palou with promises of a Formula One seat.
