FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has secured the backing of 36 affiliated automobile clubs, signalling strong support for his ongoing leadership within the federation.
Ben Sulayem’s tenure has been marked by controversy, including the ousting of key figures, the exclusion of FIA members from meetings, and a public clash with Formula 1 drivers over the use of profanity.
However, the Emirati has now received widespread support from several clubs based in the Americas, including the FIA vice president for Sport, Fabiana Ecclestone, wife of Bernie Ecclestone.
A letter approved by 36 FIA clubs read: “Dear President Mohammed, on behalf of the member clubs listed below, we write to express our sincere gratitude for your service, commitment, vision, and, above all, the delivery of your Manifesto promised to us, the members.
“We are all acutely aware of the catastrophic financial situation you inherited.
“Without the decisive and bold actions you took from day one, the very future of the FIA would have been at risk.
“The turnaround achieved in less than four years is nothing short of extraordinary, especially when coupled with the implementation of professional management systems that you deployed in parallel.
“As club Presidents, we have personally felt and experienced the daily focus you and your leadership team have placed on supporting and engaging with us — the members — treating each of us with equal respect.
“This inclusive approach is deeply appreciated.
“We also recognize and commend the significant efforts made by you and your team to reposition the FIA as a global leader in both mobility and motorsport.
“The strength and reputation of the FIA brand have clearly grown as a result of your leadership.
“That said, we understand that four years is a short time to complete the ambitious reforms you have initiated.
“Therefore, we strongly encourage you to seek re-election at the upcoming AGA, so that you may continue the important work you have started, with our full support, with deep appreciation and optimism for the future, Hermanos.”
Key FIA figures back Ben Sulayem, undermining Sainz Sr’s campaign
The news deals a setback to Carlos Sainz Sr’s potential candidacy, with a letter of support signed by a significant number of figures within the governing body.
A two-time World Rally Champion and four-time Dakar Rally winner, the Spaniard was considering challenging Ben Sulayem’s presidency amid growing speculation about a leadership contest within the FIA.
Carlos Sainz Jr recently touched on his father’s potential presidential bid, insisting there would be no conflict of interest.
The Williams driver also touched on how he felt he could bring ‘common sense’ to the FIA and cut politics from the governing body.
However, ahead of this year’s FIA General Assembly in December, this collective endorsement underscores the challenges Sainz Sr faces in garnering sufficient support to mount a credible challenge to Ben Sulayem’s presidency.
Other notable signatories of the letter include Carmelo Sanz de Barros, president of RACE (Real Automóvil Club de España) and also the FIA president of the Senate.
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