Carlos Sainz’s Father Ready to Throw Hat in the Ring to Topple FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem

Carlos Sainz's father, Carlos Sainz Sr. has expressed serious interest in contending for the position of the FIA President against Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Carlos Sainz’s Father Ready to Throw Hat in the Ring to Topple FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem

Carlos Sainz Jr. and Carlos Sainz Sr. (via F1), Mohammed Ben Sulayem (via IMAGO)

The FIA has remained under a microscope since last year due to multiple controversial rulings against the drivers, especially Max Verstappen. FIA’s President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, also faced a lot of backlash from the management of the governing body. With the presidential elections coming up, Ben Sulayem faces tough competition from F1 Academy’s Managing Director, Susie Wolff, for the position. Now, in a shocking turn of events, Carlos Sainz’s father, Carlos Sainz Sr., has expressed interest in fighting for the coveted role.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem was accused of being biased towards certain teams and drivers over the last year. The FIA also made some harsh rules against the drivers swearing on the team radio. As such, Ben Sulayem’s seat was already under scrutiny as many other capable people started to join the motion. Susie Wolff remains a strong contender due to her current leadership role in the F1 Academy. However, Wolff’s conflict of interest fiasco back in the 2024 season might cause her to lose out in the competition.

Still, Carlos Sainz’s father has laid out his ambitions to fight for the leadership of the FIA. The Spaniard recently revealed that he is seriously considering running for the presidency role in the governing body. The 63-year-old reckoned that motorsports has continued to be a massive part of his life as he feels he would be a great fit for the role. Sainz Sr. believes that taking on the role of the president would allow him to give back to the world of motorsports.

I am seriously considering running for the presidency of the FIA. Motorsports has been and continues to be my life, it gave me everything and I think this would be a great way to give back some of what I received. It could be the right time in my professional career to take this step and many are encouraging me.

Carlos Sainz Sr. said, as reported by formulapassion

Ben Sulayem might just be ousted from the top spot if Carlos Sainz Sr. seriously fights for the position. The Spaniard highlighted that getting the right support will be crucial if he wants to achieve the coveted position. He is also confident of building a highly capable team to make the best decisions in the best interest of motorsports without any conflicts. Sainz Sr. has also participated in various forms of motorsport for over 40 years in his life and has great knowledge of multiple facets.

From now on it will be important to evaluate the support I can get, but I am confident that I can form an excellent team that will accompany me in the candidacy. I have been in this world for more than 40 years and I have a direct knowledge of different specialties, such as the World Rally, the Rally raid and the Dakar, as well as the world of karting and Formula 1.

Carlos Sainz Sr. added

Carlos Sainz Sr. aims to bring ‘many innovations’ to F1

Formula 1 has continued to move in a forward direction with multiple major changes to its aspects. Mohammed Ben Sulayem had also suggested a return to the naturally aspirated V10 engines in the sport, which was met with massive criticism. However, Carlos Sainz Sr. believes that his experience and skillset would allow him to make even more innovations in the pinnacle of motorsports.

Carlos Sainz Sr. and Carlos Sainz Jr. (via IMAGO)
Carlos Sainz Sr. and Carlos Sainz Jr. (via IMAGO)

Sainz. Sr acknowledged that being the President of the FIA meant great responsibility. Still, he is up for the challenge and seems convinced to bring in many innovations in the coming years if he wins the elections. The 63-year-old aims to improve both the world of car racing and mobility to ensure a better environmental impact on the world. With the elections coming near, the Spaniard would aim to gain more public support in his bid against the other highly capable leaders.

I know that this is a position of great responsibility, but I am ready to take it on: I am convinced that I can bring many innovations thanks to my experience, and that I can contribute to improving both the world of car racing and that of mobility.

Carlos Sainz Sr. noted

Carlos Sainz Sr. will still go up against another highly competent person, Susie Wolff. The FIA will continue to be under a spotlight in the coming months, especially Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The Emirati must allow immediate improvement of the governing body and its decisions to ensure his continuation as the president. As things currently are, Ben Sulayem might be on the verge of being snubbed from the top spot by the people of the sport, and bring in a new leader to freshen up the condition.

Read More: F1 Pundit Slams Max Verstappen for ‘Telling Tales’ on George Russell at Miami GP