Overview

• 37 national motorsport figures from the Americas signed a letter urging Ben Sulayem to seek a second term, prompting subsequent endorsements from FIA clubs in the Middle East, North Africa and Africa.
• The multi-region backing deals a setback to Carlos Sainz Sr’s potential challenge by consolidating widespread support behind the incumbent.
• Ben Sulayem’s campaign promise to return power to member clubs and strengthen governance coincided with the FIA reporting an operating profit of €4.7 million after years of losses.
• His presidency has been marked by high-profile departures, including deputy president Robert Reid and former CEO Natalie Robyn, who both criticized the centralization of executive power.
• The FIA presidential election is scheduled for December 12, 2025, in Uzbekistan, where candidates must secure an outright majority in the first round of secret-ballot votes.