Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s Second Term Secured

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has secured another term as president of the International Automobile Federation after being re-elected unopposed in a vote that remains under legal scrutiny.

The 64-year-old Emirati was the only candidate in the election held on Friday in Tashkent. His re-election came despite objections raised in court over the FIA’s electoral rules, which blocked two potential challengers from entering the race.

Swiss driver Laura Villars and former FIA steward Tim Mayer were both barred from running due to regulations that require candidates to nominate vice-presidents from all six FIA regions. These vice-presidents must come from a pre-approved list set by the Paris-based federation.

In South America, only one vice-presidential candidate was listed. That was Brazilian Fabiana Ecclestone, wife of former Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone. She publicly supported Ben Sulayem, which effectively prevented any alternative ticket from being formed.

Villars challenged the process in a Paris court last week. The court declined to suspend the election but ordered a full trial to examine the rules and procedures used by the FIA. Villars’ lawyer, Robin Binsard, said the case will move forward, with a first hearing scheduled for February 16, 2026.

He added that the election result could still be reviewed or annulled depending on the court’s findings. Ben Sulayem’s confirmation as president therefore remains subject to the outcome of the case.

Ben Sulayem, who first took office in 2021 after succeeding Jean Todt, thanked FIA members for their support following the vote.

“We have overcome many obstacles but today we are stronger than ever,” he said in a statement released by the FIA.

The federation defended the process, saying the election followed its statutes and reflected the collective voice of its global membership. The FIA oversees Formula One, the World Rally Championship, and other international motorsport series. It also promotes road safety through more than 240 member clubs across 146 countries.

Ben Sulayem’s presidency has been marked by controversy. Drivers criticized the FIA earlier this year over stricter penalties for swearing on team radios. The rules sparked backlash across the grid before fines were later reduced.

Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton also questioned Ben Sulayem’s leadership after comments seen as using stereotypes when discussing driver behavior.

In April, FIA deputy president Robert Reid resigned, raising concerns over governance and transparency in his exit statement.

Despite the criticism, Ben Sulayem has repeatedly defended his record. He pointed to the federation’s financial turnaround, which saw a deficit of 24 million euros in 2021 turned into a reported profit of 4.7 million euros last year.

Looking ahead to his second term, Ben Sulayem said he stood by the decisions made during his first four years.

“Cleaning the house was not easy,” he said. “But it was worth it. If I could go back and change anything, I would not change a thing.”