Overview

• FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem has proposed changes to FIA statutes, including extending candidacy deadlines and introducing a vague integrity clause, which critics argue consolidate his power.
• The amendments would require presidential candidates to declare their candidacy 49 days before the election, up from the current 21 days, potentially disadvantaging new challengers.
• A new integrity clause would allow the Ethics Commission, populated by bin Sulayem loyalists, to disqualify candidates based on subjective criteria about their past conduct.
• Carlos Sainz Sr., a former rally champion and potential challenger, has expressed interest in running but has not yet submitted a formal candidacy or assembled a team.
• The proposed changes will be voted on at the FIA General Assembly in June, requiring only a simple majority to pass, raising concerns about transparency and fairness within the governing body.