In recent months, the Formula 1 paddock and wider motorsport community have turned increasing attention towards the upcoming FIA presidential election. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the current president, now appears to be on course for an unopposed re-election — an outcome that raises profound questions about governance, the FIA’s relationship with Formula 1, and the future direction of motorsport’s global governing body. As anticipation builds for a new era in F1 – both technically and politically – understanding the background and context of this unique situation is essential for dedicated racing fans.
Ben Sulayem’s rise to prominence has been marked by ambition and a series of reformist campaigns, especially since his election in December 2021. As the first non-European president of the FIA, the Emirati brought a fresh perspective and was keen to modernise the federation’s operation, aiming for greater transparency and broader stakeholder engagement. However, his tenure has not been without controversy. From clashes with Formula 1’s commercial rights holders to debates over governance and transparency, it has been a turbulent journey peppered with both achievements and missteps.
Despite some vocal criticism, notably from certain F1 teams and senior figures within the sport, no credible rival has emerged to challenge Ben Sulayem’s leadership at the FIA. This absence of opposition is not merely a sign of unanimous support; it also highlights the complex and sometimes opaque nature of international sports federation politics. Behind closed doors, much is said about the difficulty of mounting a successful campaign against an incumbent, especially one who has consolidated his influence across national federations and commissions that make up the FIA’s electoral college.
In Hungary, where F1 enjoys a passionate and growing fan base, the importance of FIA leadership is well understood. Hungarian fans remember the recent high-profile disagreements over regulations, the introduction of stricter oversight of racing conduct, and off-track drama surrounding budget caps and team licenses. Through all of this, the FIA’s president plays a decisive role — not only in setting the overall tone, but in determining how issues are investigated and resolved.
Ben Sulayem’s likely re-election signals a continuation of his agenda: central to this is strengthening the FIA’s regulatory grip on Formula 1, while also widening the governing body’s global reach, particularly in regions like the Middle East and Asia. Some insiders believe his open approach towards new manufacturers and developing markets could yield further expansion of the racing calendar and new investment in grassroots motorsport. Yet, others urge caution, reminding us how the president’s assertive style has sometimes caused friction with F1’s commercial stakeholders, including Liberty Media and several team principals.
One pivotal moment under Ben Sulayem’s watch was the tension over potential new teams — like Andretti’s bid — entering the F1 grid, which highlighted the tricky balance between technical merit, financial stability, and political compromise that the FIA president must constantly navigate. Veterans of the paddock will recall how these debates sometimes left F1 fans feeling excluded from decisions, prompting calls for greater fan engagement in the decision-making process.
As he prepares for what looks like a second term, Ben Sulayem faces both opportunities and challenges. The new Concorde Agreement negotiations loom large, as do questions about F1’s long-term sustainability and the crucial role of electrification and hybrid technology. Will he continue his attempts to democratise leadership within the FIA, or will the concentration of power lead to more disputes with the sport’s other big players?
For Hungarian Formula 1 fans — and indeed, for followers around the world — the outcome of this re-election is more than a bureaucratic formality. The direction the FIA takes under Ben Sulayem’s continued presidency may shape the future of racing in ways that stretch far beyond the next chequered flag. What is certain is that F1’s vibrant community will be watching every twist and turn with keen interest, both on and off the track.
