Mohammed Ben Sulayem Set to Continue as FIA President Amid Controversial Legal Battle!
In a dramatic turn of events, Mohammed Ben Sulayem is on the brink of securing his position as president of the FIA, with elections scheduled for December 12 in Tashkent. While the Emirati’s re-election seems inevitable, a legal storm is brewing that could shake the very foundation of the federation.
Swiss racing driver Laura Villars has initiated a legal action that has reached the Paris court system, challenging the electoral regulations that have effectively sidelined any serious contenders to Ben Sulayem’s reign. This move has heightened tensions within the motorsport community, as Villars aims to suspend the upcoming elections and introduce a more transparent and competitive electoral process.
Despite her efforts, the court has determined that Villars’ case will not prevent the elections from occurring as planned. The first hearing regarding her claims has been postponed to February 16, 2026, leaving the door open for Ben Sulayem to commence his second term unchallenged. Villars’ legal team argues that the current electoral system is rigged, creating insurmountable obstacles for any potential rivals. They specifically criticize the requirement for a comprehensive list of vice-presidents and the opaque nature of the Nominations Committee, which they believe filters out viable candidates.
This saga raises crucial questions about the integrity of the FIA’s electoral process and whether it truly allows for fair competition. With the election date looming, all eyes are on Tashkent, where Ben Sulayem is poised to solidify his grip on power, while Villars continues her fight for change. Will her challenge succeed in the long run, or is this just a fleeting moment in a politically charged landscape? Stay tuned as this story unfolds and the battle for the future of motorsport governance heats up!
