Mohammed Ben Sulayem: Re-Elected FIA President Amid Controversy and Abstentions!
In a dramatic turn of events that has ignited discussions worldwide, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has officially secured a second term as the President of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). Yet, in a twist that raises eyebrows, he was the sole candidate on the ballot and still failed to garner unanimous support, receiving only 91.5% of the votes from member clubs. This shocking outcome begs the question: why did 8.5% of the voters choose to abstain or spoil their ballots?
The election, held on December 12 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, was marred by a series of controversial events. Initially, two challengers, Laura Villars and Tim Mayer, had thrown their hats into the ring, but due to peculiar election rules and procedural hurdles, they were unable to field a complete slate of candidates. This paved the way for Ben Sulayem to waltz into re-election without facing any real competition.
The intricate web of FIA regulations proved to be a barrier for Villars, who in September announced her candidacy, only to find herself ensnared in a complex requirement that demanded a full list of seven vice-presidents from across various global regions. Unfortunately for her, the only eligible candidate from South America was already aligned with Ben Sulayem’s administration—Fabiana Ecclestone. This left Villars unable to meet the necessary criteria to contest the election effectively.
Mayer’s campaign came to a premature halt in October, as he accused the FIA of fostering a facade of democracy, claiming the election process lacked transparency. His sentiments echo the frustration expressed by Villars, who took legal action against the FIA, seeking a court order to suspend the election process altogether. However, the French Court dismissed her demands, clearing the way for the election to proceed as planned.
An FIA spokesperson emphasized their commitment to moving forward, stating, “The FIA remains focused on the forthcoming General Assemblies and discussing with its member clubs globally important issues for both motorsport and automotive mobility.” However, the lingering questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process remain.
As Ben Sulayem embarks on his new term, he will be accompanied by key figures such as Malcolm Wilson OBE, Tim Shearman, and Carmelo Sanz de Barros. Yet, the shadow of dissent looms large over his presidency, with Villars’ legal challenge still active. Her attorney, Robin Binsard, confirmed that they intend to pursue the matter further, with a hearing scheduled for February 16, 2026.
This election saga has not only highlighted the complexities of the FIA’s electoral process but also raised critical discussions about governance, transparency, and fairness within the world of motorsport. As the dust settles, the FIA must confront these challenges head-on, or risk further alienation from its member clubs and the motorsport community at large. The question now is whether Ben Sulayem can unite the federation moving forward or if the cracks in the foundation will widen.
