Ben Sulayem Re-Elected as FIA President for 2025-2029 Term

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been re-elected as President of the FIA, motorsport's global governing body, for a second term running from 2025 to 2029. His election by the General Assembly in Uzbekistan was a formality, as he ran unopposed, securing another four years at the helm after first taking the role in 2021.

Why it matters:

Ben Sulayem's uncontested re-election solidifies his leadership during a pivotal period for Formula 1 and global motorsport. His tenure will oversee the implementation of major technical regulations in 2026, continued efforts to expand the sport's global calendar, and ongoing challenges like cost control and sustainability. A stable, unchallenged presidency provides continuity but also raises questions about internal governance and the competitive landscape for the sport's top leadership role.

The details:

• The election process itself was largely predetermined. Challengers were effectively blocked by specific FIA electoral rules requiring a complete slate of vice presidents from distinct global regions.
• A key rule mandates that each presidential candidate must nominate seven vice presidents covering Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East/North Africa, North America, South America, and Africa. An incomplete slate invalidates the candidacy.
• For the South American slot, the only eligible member of the World Motor Sport Council was Fabiana Ecclestone, wife of former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, who is already a vice president loyal to Ben Sulayem. This made it impossible for any rival candidate to meet the regional requirement, clearing the path for an uncontested race.
• A legal challenge was mounted by former steward and would-be candidate Laura Villars, who argued the rules created an unfair loophole. French courts have agreed to hear her case on its merits, but scheduled the hearing for February 16, 2026—well after the election was completed.

What's next:

Ben Sulayem's second term begins immediately, with the FIA Awards ceremony in Uzbekistan set to crown Lando Norris as the 2025 Formula 1 World Champion. His leadership will now focus on executing the FIA's strategic goals, including the critical 2026 power unit and chassis regulations, managing the growth of the F1 calendar, and addressing the legal challenge from Villars that remains pending in the Paris courts. The unchallenged nature of his victory grants him a strong mandate but also places the spotlight firmly on his administration's decisions in the coming years.