LONDON — Carlos Sainz Sr. has announced that he will not seek the presidency of the FIA, the authoritative organization overseeing auto racing on an international scale, including Formula 1. At 63, Sainz, who is the father of current Formula 1 competitor Carlos Sainz Jr., disclosed on Wednesday his reasons for foregoing the opportunity to run for the role. His decision came after many months spent trying to thoroughly comprehend the intricacies and responsibilities entailed within the FIA.
In a statement shared on Instagram, the two-time World Rally champion explained, “After a thoughtful reflection, I have come to the conclusion that the present circumstances are not ideal to set the grounds for my candidacy.” This introspection led him to determine that now is not the optimal time to pursue the high-profile position.
Currently, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who was first elected to the position in 2021, remains without challengers in his bid for reelection this December. Ben Sulayem’s leadership has been subject to scrutiny, particularly surrounding his governance style. Earlier in the year, internal discord became apparent when Robert Reid stepped down from his position as FIA deputy president for sport, citing disagreements with the way the organization is run.
In addition, Ben Sulayem has encountered friction with Formula 1 drivers, notably concerning his stricter regulations regarding the use of profanity. As the election approaches, the current climate within the FIA and the challenges presented by its leadership remain a focal point for those within the racing community.