Mohammed Ben Sulayem has officially secured a second term as President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), reinforcing his stronghold over global motorsport, including the ultra-competitive world of Formula 1. The reappointment follows an uncontested election process, reflecting both his broad support within the FIA community and some reluctance in high-profile circles to challenge his leadership in a period marked by transformation and controversy.
Ben Sulayem, originally from the United Arab Emirates, has brought a new perspective to the FIA since his first term began in December 2021. As the first non-European to hold the position, his influence on governance, transparency, and the digital future of motorsport has been widely recognized. Under his stewardship, the FIA has both weathered criticism and initiated important reforms—issues closely observed by the entire Formula 1 paddock and indeed, motorsport fans around the world. His presidency has not been without tension, particularly as the sport’s commercial rights holders, teams, and fans all push for more say in the sport’s future direction.
During his first mandate, Ben Sulayem weathered several significant storms, most notably the fraught aftermath of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and ongoing debates around cost caps, regulation enforcement, and the explosive growth in Formula 1’s popularity. He has initiated new governance models, prioritised transparency, and sought to strengthen the FIA’s ethical standards. Such changes are setting the stage for a more robust structure, but the process has unsurprisingly been met with resistance from some within the organization. For F1 fans, these reforms have meant more open communication on race decisions, penalties and have increased scrutiny on the regulatory framework that governs the sport.
If one looks at the evolution under Ben Sulayem, a clear vision for the FIA’s global governance comes to light. Beyond Formula 1, the president has been instrumental in guiding other high-performance motorsport disciplines, from rallying to electric vehicle championships. However, it is within Formula 1 that his impact is felt most acutely. The introduction of more stringent cost cap regulations has ensured a more level playing field, although it has occasionally run afoul of teams testing the boundaries. Ben Sulayem’s clear message has been one of zero tolerance, intent on safeguarding fairness and sporting integrity for teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes who are chasing marginal gains at every opportunity.
Notably, under his presidency, the FIA has moved to address the challenges brought on by Formula 1’s commercial explosion in North America and new markets. Calendar expansion, fan engagement, and the arrival of new manufacturers and teams are all priorities. These efforts coincide with a renewed commitment to sustainability, diversity, and road safety—areas where Ben Sulayem has encouraged bold progress. He’s personally advocated for more pathways from grassroots motorsport to the highest echelon and has often emphasized the need for global inclusivity, a trait that resonates strongly with the new, younger demographic of F1 enthusiasts.
Nevertheless, challenges loom large for Ben Sulayem’s second term. Among the clearest are the sometimes-fraught relations between the FIA and Formula 1’s commercial rights holder—Liberty Media—and the need to further clarify the division of power between the two organizations. Fans can expect to see continuing discussions about technical regulation changes (for 2026 and beyond), the ongoing tug-of-war over sporting penalties, and even the potential entry of new teams like Andretti, which continues to stoke debate and drama in the paddock. These issues will test the diplomatic abilities and leadership Ben Sulayem has cultivated since first taking office.
For Hungarian Formula 1 fans—and indeed, all passionate followers of the sport—the reelection of Mohammed Ben Sulayem offers a period of stability and continued evolution. With the FIA Presidency secured through another four-year term, there is a clear mandate to push forward with digitalization, equality, and improved governance for all involved in motorsport. As F1 prepares for yet another record-breaking season, the importance of sound leadership at the governing body cannot be underestimated. Keep an eye on these developments—what happens at the FIA’s highest level always ripples down onto the Grand Prix circuits from Silverstone to Hungaroring.
