Carlos Sainz Sr has dismissed concerns that having a son competing in Formula 1 would be a conflict of interest if he were to become the FIA president.
The Spaniard is now openly considering a run for the FIA presidency ahead of the governing body’s General Assembly on 12 December in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Sainz Sr confirmed that he is exploring a bid but will first gauge the level of support from across the motorsport world before making a final decision.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has been president since 2021, is expected to seek a second term.
“There are plenty of reasons, but I have been driving for more than 40 years and this sport has given me everything,” Sainz Sr said.
“This possibility has been in my mind for some time now, not very deeply, but now I think it could be the right time in my career for me to take the step.
“I’m confident I can do a good job and put together an excellent team to give back to the sport part of what it has given me.”
Sainz Sr, whose son drives for Williams after leaving Ferrari at the end of 2024, stressed his personal connections would not influence his ability to lead the FIA impartially.
“I have my track record and people know me well enough to understand that this will not be an issue,” he addressed.
“Obviously, I will have to step down regarding my role with Carlos and his career, but this is not an issue at all.
“He’s not a child anymore, he has been in F1 for a decade now and we both know that if I go ahead with this project our relationship will change, of course.
“The FIA is a very serious entity and there will be no conflict.”
Sainz Sr acknowledges current FIA tension
While Sainz Sr refused to be drawn into criticising Ben Sulayem’s tenure directly, he acknowledged the friction within the FIA in recent years.
The current president has come under fire over governance standards, driver relations and transparency, with several senior figures having resigned from the Paris-based body in protest.
He has also been cleared of a previous investigation into alleged interference in a race result, but continues to face scrutiny over the direction of the organisation.
“I think obviously lately there has been some controversy, but I want to concentrate on myself,” Sainz Sr expressed.
“I leave the judgment to others. If I do this, it will not be to fight anyone, it will be out of passion and love for motorsport, because I believe I can help and improve certain things.”
Sainz Sr aims to unite motorsport
Sainz Sr also spoke about the importance of rebuilding trust between the FIA and the various sectors of global motorsport.
“I have been on the other side of motorsport and I know how important it is to listen to everybody – drivers, teams, fans, organisers, promoters, manufacturers,” he said.
“I truly think I can make that relationship much smoother and stronger. I would like to see the future of the FIA as an entity that is really appreciated and respected by everybody.”
Though no official challengers have yet declared, Sainz appears to be the most credible alternative to Ben Sulayem, and says he will only move forward if there is clear support for his vision.
“I believe it is probably the right time for me personally and professionally, and that is why I am considering it,” he explained.
“I think my track record shows that when I’m committed to something I only know one way to do things, which is professionally, seriously and straightforward.
“Then it will be up to the community to decide.”
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