FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is reportedly exploring a significant change to the organization’s statutes that could allow him to bypass term limits and remain in office beyond his current tenure. The proposed amendment, if passed, would enable him to seek a third term, and potentially more, a move that echoes similar power-consolidation tactics seen in other global sports.
A Bid to Extend Presidential Term
According to reports from the BBC, corroborated by Motorsport.com, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has led the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) since 2021, aims to amend the governing body’s bylaws. The core objective is to remove the rule limiting the president to a maximum of three terms, whether consecutive or not, effectively capping the presidency at 12 years. The 64-year-old Emirati is currently serving his second term, having been re-elected unopposed late in 2025.
This term limit was originally implemented under Jean Todt, Ben Sulayem’s predecessor. Todt, the former head of Peugeot Sport and Scuderia Ferrari, adhered to the rule, concluding his third term after 12 years of service. Before him, Max Mosley led the FIA from 1993 to 2009, stepping down amid controversy.
FIA Cites “Consistency” in Mandate Approach
Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s proposal requires a vote from the FIA General Assembly, scheduled for next month. An FIA spokesperson told Motorsport.com that the aim is to “establish a consistent approach to mandates across all FIA bodies,” referencing World Councils and the Senate, which are not subject to term limits.
The spokesperson added that “FIA bodies retain full authority to democratically elect their officials,” emphasizing that any modification needs approval from the World Council and the General Assembly. While the rationale of “consistency” is presented, it doesn’t apply universally. Certain roles, such as the presidency of the anti-doping committee or the F1 budget cap committee, are indeed subject to term limits and would also be affected by this proposed change.
To support the potential removal of term limits, the FIA even pointed to the NFL. Commissioner Roger Goodell, in office since 2006, has reportedly transformed American football into a “global brand with a remarkable track record of governance,” according to the spokesperson. This comparison might raise eyebrows in the motorsport community, where governance and transparency are frequently subjects of debate.
Stricter Candidacy Rules Also Under Consideration
Beyond term limits, other measures reportedly under consideration aim to strengthen the incumbent president’s position. The BBC reports that stricter conditions for presidential candidates could be introduced, including a requirement for candidates to “demonstrate sufficient experience within an FIA member club or an FIA body.”
Furthermore, the deadline for submitting the list of proposed vice-presidents might be extended from 49 days to 100 days before the election. If approved, these adjustments would make it more challenging for potential challengers to the current president. It’s worth recalling that during the previous election, a rule concerning the composition of the vice-presidential list already limited the number of eligible candidates, effectively making only one individual viable for the South America region and precluding others.
Laura Villars, who was an unsuccessful candidate in that election, had legally contested the legitimacy of the vote. These new proposals appear to lean towards tighter control over the electoral process, potentially at the expense of diverse candidacies.
Key Takeaways
- Term Limit Removal: Mohammed Ben Sulayem may see the 12-year limit for the FIA presidency abolished.
- Consistency Argument: The FIA justifies this by aiming to harmonize mandate rules across its various bodies.
- Stricter Candidacy Requirements: Increased experience prerequisites and longer deadlines for candidate lists could be implemented.
- Electoral Context: These changes come as Ben Sulayem is in his second term and may seek to extend his presidency.
- Potential Criticism: The move could be viewed as an effort to consolidate power, raising questions about the FIA’s internal democratic processes.
