Mohammed Ben Sulayem Re-elected FIA President Unopposed: How the Election Unfolded
The election took place on 12–13 December 2025 during the FIA’s Annual General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Ben Sulayem, 64, ran unopposed in the vote, confirming his leadership until 2029.
Election Results and Official Confirmation
The FIA confirmed that Ben Sulayem won the presidency as the sole candidate on the ballot. In his acceptance speech, Ben Sulayem thanked FIA members for their support and emphasised the progress the organisation has made under his leadership in areas such as motorsport governance, mobility initiatives, and global engagement.
Why He Ran Unopposed
Although several figures initially expressed interest in challenging Ben Sulayem — including former FIA steward Tim Mayer and Swiss driver Laura Villars — they were unable to meet the FIA’s nomination requirements.
The Technical Hurdle
Under FIA statutory rules, presidential candidates must propose a full list of vice-presidential candidates representing each of the six global regional groupings. Because only one eligible vice-presidential nomination was available from South America — Brazilian Fabiana Ecclestone, who supported Ben Sulayem — rival campaigns could not assemble full leadership lists and were excluded from the ballot.
Controversy and Legal Challenges
The absence of alternative candidates has drawn criticism within the motorsport community. Critics argue that the electoral process effectively ensured Ben Sulayem’s re-election before ballots were cast. A hearing has been scheduled in Paris for February 16, 2026, to examine legal challenges filed against the FIA’s election process by Laura Villars, who asserts that the rules limited genuine competition.
The FIA maintains that the process adhered strictly to its statutes, describing the election as « conducted through a robust and transparent voting process. »
Leadership and Achievements
First elected in 2021 succeeding Jean Todt, Ben Sulayem oversaw organisational reforms aimed at improving financial stability. Under his stewardship, the federation reversed previous operating losses into positive results and pursued strategic initiatives in road safety and mobility innovation.
Implications for Governance
Ben Sulayem’s unopposed re-election underscores ongoing debates about governance structures in international sport. While the FIA emphasises statutory compliance, the impending legal review will likely shed further light on whether nomination requirements restrict competitive elections in practice.
Sources
- Reuters: “Sole candidate Ben Sulayem secures second term as FIA president”
- SI.com: “Mohammed Ben Sulayem Officially Re-Elected After Controversial Process”
- Journal De Bruxelles: “Ben Sulayem re-elected unopposed in contentious FIA election”
- The National News: “Mohammed Ben Sulayem re-elected FIA president”
- Performance Racing Industry: “Ben Sulayem Re-Elected as President of FIA”