FIA Elections: Mohammed Ben Sulayem Gains Uncontested Path to Presidency Amidst Controversy
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has officially declared Mohammed Ben Sulayem as the sole candidate for the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for next month. This announcement marks a pivotal moment in one of the most contentious leadership battles seen in years.
A recently released document, ominously titled “FIA 2025 Elections – List of Eligible Presidential List(s),” reveals a singular, pre-approved list fronted by Ben Sulayem, leaving no room for opposing contenders. Notably, the document lists every position already filled, effectively sealing the fate of any potential rivals. The FIA’s decision comes on the heels of significant uproar surrounding the federation’s new eligibility rules, particularly the stipulation that candidates must have regional support, a requirement that has effectively sidelined competitors.
Fabiana Ecclestone, the FIA’s Vice President for Sport in South America, emerges as the only eligible candidate from her region for the World Motor Sport Council, aligning herself with Ben Sulayem’s list and further narrowing the field of alternatives. Critics are quick to note that this consolidation of power could stifle democracy within the organization.
Adding to the drama, Swiss candidate Laura Villars, who had been poised to challenge Ben Sulayem, is not going down without a fight. She is currently embroiled in a legal battle in Paris, seeking to suspend the election set for December 12. Villars argues that the new rules infringe upon the right to competitive candidacy, a claim that if validated, could dramatically alter the election landscape. A verdict from the French court is anticipated on December 3, just days before the election.
Should the court not intervene, Ben Sulayem seems destined to secure a second term at the helm of the FIA, raising eyebrows and concerns about the future governance of motorsport’s most powerful regulatory body. The implications of this uncontested election could resonate throughout the racing world, as stakeholders grapple with the ramifications of a leadership devoid of competition.
As the dust settles, the motorsport community watches closely. Will the FIA’s controversial new rules hold, or will legal challenges usher in an era of much-needed reform? The clock is ticking, and the eyes of the racing world are fixed on Paris.








