Carlos Sainz Sr has announced he is withdrawing from the race to become president of the FIA, enhancing Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s chances of re-election.
The 63-year-old, who won the World Rally Championship on two occasions and the Dakar Rally four times, had reportedly been considering a formal run in April.
It was said at the time that Sainz Sr had been approached by “key figures within motorsport” ahead of the FIA General Assembly late last year.
But due to the intricacies of the job and the responsibilities he already has in the world of motorsport, Sainz has decided to step away from contention.
The story sparked widespread interest amid a time when Ben Sulayem’s leadership has been called into question after the sport’s governing body has seen a number of high-profile departures and changes to its day-to-day organisation.
In a statement posted on his X account, Sainz Sr said: “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.”
The only current figure that has been reported to be considering a bid and not yet ruled themselves out is former Formula 1 driver Alexander Wurz, who is currently Chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, of which Sainz’s son and Williams driver Carlos Sainz Jr is a director.
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