In a shocking turn of events, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is under fire for allegedly maneuvering to block potential candidates from standing against him in the upcoming FIA presidential election. Reports have surfaced indicating that Ben Sulayem is pushing for changes to the statutes of the motorsport governing body, potentially altering the timeline for candidate declarations.
According to sources, the proposed changes include advancing the deadline for candidates to announce their intention to run in the December election. This move could significantly impact former rally champion Carlos Sainz Sr, who was reportedly contemplating a bid for the presidency. If the deadline is moved up, Sainz Sr may have limited time to garner support from the voting member clubs.
Furthermore, a new clause is said to be included in the proposed amendments, stipulating that candidates must not have any record questioning their professional integrity. This particular provision could pose a challenge to Sainz Sr’s candidacy, especially considering his familial ties to current Williams Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz.
The rationale behind these changes, as per reports, is to ensure uniformity in terms of office and consolidate the election processes. However, critics argue that such alterations could be a strategic move to maintain the current leadership unchallenged.
In response to the speculation surrounding Sainz Sr’s potential candidacy, Williams team principal James Vowles expressed his support, suggesting that the seasoned racer would be a suitable candidate for the position.
As the motorsport community awaits the outcome of the proposed amendments and their potential impact on the upcoming election, all eyes are on the unfolding developments within the FIA leadership landscape.
