Carlos Sainz Sr has decided not to run in the FIA presidential election due to “concerns” over his own rally career and says “present circumstances” are “not ideal” for his candidacy.
Sky Sports News learned in May that Sainz, who is the father of Williams Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz, had widespread support from executives across the various motorsport categories that the FIA has jurisdiction over when he was considering to become a candidate.
Current FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is yet to officially be opposed for the election, which takes place later this year on December 12 at the FIA general assembly in Uzbekistan.
Sainz wrote on Instagram: “Hi everyone, this message is to publicly confirm that I have finally decided not to run for the presidency of the FIA in this year’s election.
“I have worked hard these past months to understand in depth the situation at the FIA and the demands and complexities that come with such an important project.
“After a thoughtful reflection, I have come to the conclusion that the present circumstances are not ideal to set the grounds for my candidacy.
“Furthermore, I have realised that properly running for president would notably compromise my preparation for the Dakar and I do not wish to weaken my commitment to Ford and my team. These concerns have therefore inclined me to be realistic and desist from my FIA endeavour for now.”
Carlos Sainz Sr is a two-time WRC champion
Sainz, who is a two-time World Rally champion, was not expected to have any issues over a conflict of interest had he become FIA president.
The 63-year-old says he’s “truly grateful” for the support he received when considering whether to go for the role.
“Despite stepping down from this race, my passion for serving and leading within the motorsport world hasn’t changed and I still believe the organisation needs important changes, which I remain genuinely hopeful will be tackled in the upcoming years,” he added.
“Both racing and mobility have been my life and I will closely follow future developments with great interest. I will always support my sport and try to contribute in all meaningful ways to improve mobility for road users around the world.
“Finally, I want to sincerely thank you all for the messages of support, encouragement and advice I have received during the past weeks. They have reinforced my confidence to continue striving towards my present and future goals.”
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Williams driver Carlos Sainz discussed the possibility of his father running for FIA president last month
Ben Sulayem’s turbulent tenure as FIA president
Current president Ben Sulayem has overseen a controversial term at the helm of the governing body since being elected in December 2021, but is keen to extend his tenure.
There has been unprecedented turnover in senior roles within the organisation, with one of the most recent notable departure coming in April as deputy president for sport Robert Reid resigned, citing concerns over the direction of governance at the FIA under Ben Sulayem’s leadership.
Sara Mariani, the FIA head of sustainability, diversity and inclusion, left F1’s governing body after the role was eradicated in a restructure confirmed earlier this month.
Mariani said: “There is a life outside the FIA. A life where talent and dedication are rewarded. Where women in leadership positions can thrive, feel valued and respected.”
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is currently unopposed for December’s election
The restructure saw Mariani’s role split across two separate divisions, with sustainability to be overseen by secretary for general mobility Willem Groenewald, and diversity and inclusion by senior human resources director Alessandra Malhame.
In a statement announcing the restructure, the FIA said the decision to remove Mariani’s role had been taken “following a period of review”.
Ben Sulayem has also been involved in a dispute with drivers across multiple categories over his decision to introduce harsher fines and punishments for swearing and other misconduct.
He was criticised by Lewis Hamilton for using stereotypical language when he made a comparison to rappers in an interview, where he spoke about wanting to see less foul language on the team radio. The FIA declined to comment at the time.
Sky Sports F1’s Austrian GP schedule
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments throughout the years at the Austrian Grand Prix
Thursday June 26
2pm: Drivers’ Press Conference
Friday June 27
8.50am: F3 Practice
10am: F2 Practice
12pm: Austrian GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)*
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying*
2.50pm: F2 Qualifying*
3.35pm: Austrian GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)*
5.15pm: The F1 Show*
Saturday June 28
9am: F3 Sprint
11.15pm: Austrian GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: Austrian GP Qualifying build-up*
3pm: AUSTRIAN GP QUALIFYING*
5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday June 29
7.25am: F3 Feature Race
8.55am: F2 Feature Race
10.40am: Porsche Supercup
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Austrian GP build-up*
2pm: THE AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Chequered Flag: Austrian GP reaction*
5pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
Next up for the 2025 Formula 1 season is a return to Europe for the Austrian Grand Prix, which is live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime.
