The head of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has put forward a suggestion for the governing body of motorsport to revoke the existing rule that caps presidential mandates.
Mr. Ben Sulayem, now serving his second tenure after securing the position unchallenged in the prior year’s election, falls under Article 20.10 of the FIA’s regulations, which stipulates that “an FIA President cannot hold office for more than three terms, consecutive or otherwise, amounting to a total maximum of 12 years.”
According to BBC Sport, Ben Sulayem intends to abolish this provision, a fact confirmed by Autosport. Eliminating this rule would enable him to remain eligible for election indefinitely, until he chooses to resign.
The individual from the Emirates was the sole qualified contender in the previous year’s electoral process; other prospective candidates failed to secure the necessary seven vice-presidents – comprising two from Europe and one from each other geographical area designated by the FIA – needed for a formal candidacy. Fabiana Ecclestone, the only representative accessible from South America, had already pledged her support to Ben Sulayem’s electoral bid.
Restrictions on the duration of presidential service were integrated into the rules during Jean Todt’s leadership. Before the Frenchman’s tenure of twelve years, Max Mosley had occupied the presidential role for a total of sixteen years, whereas Jean-Marie Balestre concluded his service after two mandates, each lasting four years.
Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President and Stefano Domenicali, CEO of the Formula One Group
Photo by: James Sutton / LAT Images via Getty Images
When Autosport reached out to the FIA for a statement, a representative from the regulatory body indicated that this proposal aligns with the tenure practices for other elected positions within the FIA’s global councils and the senate.
“A suggestion has been advanced to implement a uniform policy regarding term limits throughout all FIA entities, mirroring the current system for the World Councils and the Senate,” the official declaration explained.
“This proposition requires ratification from both the World Councils and the General Assembly. The various FIA organs maintain complete autonomy to elect their officials through democratic means.”
The suggested alterations to the FIA’s foundational documents, encompassing the abolition of presidential term restrictions, are scheduled for a vote during the upcoming General Assembly.
The leadership of Ben Sulayem faced opposition from Tim Mayer, a former FIA steward, racing driver Laura Villars, and journalist Virginie Philippot during the prior election cycle, though none met the criteria to proceed to the final presidential contest.
Subsequently, Villars initiated a lawsuit against the FIA concerning the conduct of the election.
