In recent weeks, news of Carlos Sainz Sr’s possible run for the FIA presidency made waves in the motorsport world—and today, the 63 year-old confirmed it himself. Earlier this week the two-time World Rally Champion revealed he is “currently in the process of figuring out how much support I will get from the community of motorsport”.
“I’m confident I can do a good job” — Sainz Sr on possibility of becoming FIA president
Each term runs for four years before the FIA elects a new president at its General Assembly. However, presidents can only serve a maximum of three consecutive four-year term. The next presidential election will take place on the 12th of December later this year in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The Spaniard explained his longevity in the sport played a part in his decision and that running for the role has been on his mind for some time.
“There are plenty of reasons, but I have been driving for more than 40 years and this sport has given me everything,”
“This possibility [of being president] has been in my mind for some time now, not very deeply, but now I think it could be the right time in my career for me to take the step. I’m confident I can do a good job and put together an excellent team to give back to the sport part of what it has given me.”
Undoubtedly, Sainz Sr was confident he would be able to do the job well. However, a strong rival in current FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem looks to run for another term against the Spaniard. The two-time World Rally Driver Champion and four-time Dakar Rally winner is no stranger to the world of motorsport. The Spaniard believes he can bring fresh ideas to the table and that his reputation will be enough to ensure there will be no issues within the sport.
“I have accumulated a lot of experience in this sport throughout the years and I’m certain I can bring new and interesting things, to strengthen and develop the sport and the automobile world.”
“I have my track record and people know me well enough to understand that this will not be an issue.”
Concerns over conflict of interests with son, Carlos Sainz Jr
Earlier this year his son—Williams F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr—took steps to advocating for drivers voices in the motorsport world by replacing Sebastian Vettel as the GPDA Director, alongside George Russell. If Sainz Sr were to take on the role, he confirmed he would need to take a step down from his role in his son’s career. Emphasising on the seriousness of the FIA, the Spaniard assured there will be no conflict of interest.
“Obviously, I will have to step down regarding my role with Carlos and his career but this is not an issue at all,” the 63 year-old said.
“He’s not a child anymore, he has been in F1 for a decade now and we both know that if I go ahead with this project our relationship will change, of course.”
“The FIA is a very serious entity and there will be no conflict.”
Sainz Sr explained he will run the role his way—adding that his commitment to the sport will prove his professionalism. He acknowledged the recent controversies the FIA have been involved in but emphasised that he will remained focused on his own path.
“Well, everybody has his own way of running [an organisation], his own beliefs on what is best and his own way of understanding this sport and the world of mobility,” the Spaniard said.
“I think my track record shows that when I’m committed to something I only know one way to do things, which is professionally, seriously and straightforward. Then it will be up to the community to decide.”
“I think obviously lately there has been some controversy, but I want to concentrate on myself. I leave the judgment to others,”
Presidency run will be “out of passion and love for motorsport”
“If I do this [run for president] it will not be to fight anyone, it will be out of passion and love for motorsport, because I believe I can help and improve certain things.” said Sainz Sr.
The 63 year-old believes timing has come right, both personally and professionally. Drawing from his experience from rallying and watching his son in F1, he explained his hopes in improving the relationships between all stakeholders in the sport.
“I believe it is probably the right time for me personally and professionally, and that is why I am considering it.”
“I have been on the other side of motorsport and I know how important it is to listen to everybody – drivers, teams, fans, organizers, promoters, social, manufacturers. I truly think I can make that relationship much smoother and stronger,”
“I would like to see the future of the FIA as an entity that is really appreciated and respected by everybody.”, he said.
