A prominent figure in motorsport, known for being the father of a current Formula 1 driver, is reportedly contemplating a bid for the presidency of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). This potential candidacy would challenge the incumbent president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has faced various controversies during his tenure.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a former rally champion from the United Arab Emirates, assumed the FIA presidency in December 2021, succeeding Jean Todt. His leadership has been marked by several contentious issues, including allegations of interference in race outcomes, such as the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix .
Additionally, his tenure has seen multiple high-profile resignations within the FIA, including that of Deputy President for Sport Robert Reid, who cited a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards” .
Ben Sulayem has also been involved in disputes with Formula 1 drivers and teams. Notably, he faced criticism for comments comparing drivers’ language to that of rappers, which Lewis Hamilton described as having racial undertones . Furthermore, his interactions with drivers have sometimes been strained, exemplified by an incident where Lewis Hamilton appeared to snub a hug from him at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix .
The potential challenger, whose identity has not been officially confirmed, is said to be motivated by a desire to restore integrity and transparency to the FIA’s governance. This development suggests a significant contest may be on the horizon for the FIA presidency, reflecting broader concerns within the motorsport community about the organization’s current direction.
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