According to Motorsport.com Carlos Sainz Sr., two-time World Rally Champion and multiple Dakar winner, is seriously considering running for FIA president in the upcoming December 2025 election, sources have revealed. Key motorsport figures have approached the 63-year-old Spaniard, encouraging him to challenge current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

If he decides to run, Sainz would offer a “positive and constructive” alternative to Ben Sulayem, whose leadership has been mired in controversy. Since taking office in 2021, Ben Sulayem has faced growing criticism for what many describe as a breakdown in governance and transparency within the FIA.

Recent issues include the resignation of Deputy President Robert Reid, the exclusion of members from meetings over NDA disputes, and backlash from F1 and rally drivers over restrictive rules. A compliance probe into Toto and Susie Wolff—later dropped—also drew widespread condemnation.

With growing calls for change, Sainz’s potential candidacy is being seen as a credible bid to restore stability, integrity, and unity to motorsport’s governing body.