Ben Sulayem Re-Elected FIA President for Second Four-Year Term

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been re-elected as the President of the FIA, securing a second four-year term without any competition. The vote took place during the federation’s annual general assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The 64-year-old Emirati, who is also a former rally driver, was the only candidate able to stand for the election after others failed to meet the requirements. Ben Sulayem thanked the members for their strong support and said the organisation had become “stronger than ever” despite facing many challenges over the past years.

American motorsport official Tim Mayer was expected to challenge Ben Sulayem but ended his campaign in October. He explained that the FIA’s rules prevented him from running. Swiss-French driver Laura Villars also intended to stand for the presidency and even took legal action to pause the election. However, a Paris court decided earlier this month that the vote could continue as planned.

Villars’ legal team has said the election may still face review or even cancellation during another court hearing scheduled for February. Both Mayer and Villars were unable to complete the required list of vice-presidential nominees from different FIA global regions before the October 24 deadline. Candidates are required to name one nominee from each region, but the official list included only one representative from South America — Fabiana Ecclestone, who is part of Ben Sulayem’s team and is married to former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone.

The FIA confirmed that the election followed its official rules and described the process as “robust and transparent.” The federation said the voting reflected the democratic principles of the organisation and represented the collective decision of its worldwide members. With this win, Ben Sulayem will continue leading the global motorsport body for another term as it navigates ongoing reforms and governance issues. His re-election also highlights the strong influence and support he holds within the federation, despite the recent legal and political disputes surrounding the election. Throughout the process, the FIA has stated that it remains committed to maintaining transparency and fair governance in the sport.

In the coming months, attention will shift to the February court hearing, which may determine whether the election faces further challenges. For now, however, Ben Sulayem remains firmly in charge and is expected to continue pushing forward his plans for the future of global motorsport. His leadership will play a key role in guiding the FIA through important decisions related to racing regulations, safety policies, and international cooperation in the world of motorsport.