FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem secured a significant victory after Formula 1’s governing body approved a proposal to remove presidential term limits.
FIA member clubs voted through a series of amendments to the existing internal regulations at the organisation’s general assembly in Macau, with one of the most notable changes ending the restriction that limited FIA presidents to three four-year terms, for a total of twelve years in power—introduced by Ben Sulayem’s predecessor Jean Todt. The removal of those limits now allows future FIA presidents to continue serving beyond that timeframe if they continue to fulfil the required criteria and receive electoral support.
Ben Sulayem reportedly put forward the proposal himself.
Several prospective candidates for FIA president either withdrew from the race ahead of the 2025 election or did not satisfy the eligibility criteria. Facing no opposition, the 64-year-old secured a second term in December last year, and is due to remain in office through to the end of 2029.
The term-limit removal was explained by FIA in a statement: “The FIA statutes have been updated to establish a consistent approach to term limits across all FIA bodies, in line with the world councils and the senate. The proposed amendments were approved by a supermajority at the Extraordinary General Assemblies. FIA bodies retain full authority to democratically elect officeholders they deem appropriate.”
The governing body did not explicitly reveal the voting figures, but according to BBC Sport, sources indicated that the proposal passed with a majority of 90.71%.
FIA tightens presidential eligibility requirements
Alongside the removal of term limits, the governing body also approved changes to presidential eligibility criteria. Among them was a new requirement obliging candidates to “demonstrate sufficient experience within an FIA member or an FIA body”.
The FIA also extended the deadline for presidential candidates to submit their proposed list of vice-presidents, up from 49 days to 100 days.
“The eligibility criteria for the president of the FIA have been strengthened and are more in line with the existing eligibility criteria for the other candidates on the Presidential List,” an FIA statement read.
“The name of the nominations committee has been changed to ‘eligibility assessment committee’, to ensure better alignment between the body’s name and its responsibilities.”
Both measures could make it more challenging for prospective rivals to mount a campaign against an incumbent president.
Ben Sulayem welcomed the changes introduced at the Extraordinary General Assemblies.
“The decisions approved by our members here today reflect the continued progress we are making together as a federation,” the FIA president said.
“Through stronger governance, financial discipline and a clear long-term vision, we are building an FIA that is better equipped to support our members, strengthen our championships, and deliver for motorsport and mobility worldwide.”
While the abolition of term limits removed the previous twelve-year ceiling, an age restriction still remains in place. Current FIA rules prevent candidates aged 70 or older from standing for the presidency.
In theory, the new regulations could allow a president to remain in office indefinitely provided they continue to win elections and satisfy eligibility requirements. However, the age limit would still act as a barrier to any further candidacies once a candidate reaches that threshold.
Ben Sulayem may move to eradicate that remaining restriction in the future.
