Carlos Sainz Sr., a prominent figure in the motorsport world, recently expressed his interest in potentially running for the presidency of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). In an exclusive interview, he articulated that he believes the timing is right for such a move, dismissing any concerns surrounding conflicts of interest due to his familial ties in the racing industry.
The upcoming presidential election will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on December 12, with the current president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, likely to pursue a second term. As of now, there are no other candidates who have publicly declared their intention to run.
Sainz, who continues to race and notably secured a victory at the 2024 Dakar Rally with Audi, revealed that he has contemplated the idea of leading the FIA for some time, though never with serious intent until now. “I’ve been a part of this sport for over 40 years, and it has given me so much,” he stated. He elaborated that the possibility of stepping into a presidential role has been on his mind, and he feels that it could be the right moment in his career to take this leap. “I am confident in my ability to succeed and assemble a strong team to give back to the sport that has provided me with so much,” he added.
With a wealth of experience in motorsport, Sainz is optimistic about bringing innovative ideas to strengthen and advance the sport and the automobile industry at large. He emphasized that his extensive background equips him to introduce fresh perspectives that could benefit the FIA and its stakeholders.
Sainz is also the father of Carlos Sainz Jr., a driver for Williams in Formula 1. When questioned about the potential for a conflict of interest arising from his son’s career, Sainz Sr. was quick to assure that he would take all necessary steps to mitigate any such concerns. “People know my history, and I believe they trust that this will not present an issue,” he remarked. He acknowledged that stepping back from his involvement in his son’s career would be necessary, but emphasized that their relationship has matured, with Sainz Jr. being an established F1 driver for nearly ten years. “Our dynamic will undoubtedly change if I pursue this endeavor, but I believe we both understand the importance of maintaining professionalism,” he stated.
Sainz underscored the seriousness of the FIA as an institution, assuring that there would be no conflicts arising from his dual roles. When asked about what unique contributions he could offer if elected, he pointed to his extensive experience and commitment. “Everyone has their own approach to running an organization, and I have my own beliefs about what works best and how to understand this sport and the mobility world,” he explained. Sainz believes his history of professionalism, seriousness, and straightforwardness in his commitments would serve him well in a leadership position.
In recent years, the FIA has experienced tumultuous relations with Formula 1, marked by a series of controversies. While Sainz refrained from commenting specifically on Ben Sulayem’s controversial tenure—during which he faced scrutiny for actions perceived as attempts to influence race outcomes and encountered disputes with drivers over various issues—he acknowledged the existence of controversy but reframed the discussion to focus on his aspirations. “While there has been a lot of talk recently, I’d rather focus on my vision. My motivation for running would stem from my passion for motorsport and my belief that I could make meaningful improvements,” he stated.
Sainz emphasized the importance of listening to all stakeholders in the motorsport community, including drivers, teams, fans, organizers, and manufacturers. Drawing from his experiences as a former driver, he expressed a desire to foster better communication and collaboration between the governing body and various racing entities. “I have navigated the motorsport landscape from the inside, and I understand how vital it is to engage with all parties involved. I truly believe I can enhance those relationships significantly,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Sainz is currently assessing the level of support he has from the motorsport community before making a definitive decision on whether he will officially announce his candidacy for the FIA presidency. His willingness to step into this role reflects a deep commitment to the sport that has shaped his life and career.
As he contemplates this potential transition from racer to leader, Sainz remains grounded in his love for motorsport, driven by the prospect of contributing positively to its future. He envisions the FIA as an organization that is respected and appreciated by all stakeholders, and he is determined to work towards that goal. By prioritizing open dialogue and collaboration, Sainz aims to cultivate a more harmonious relationship within the motorsport community, ensuring that the voices of drivers, teams, and fans are heard and valued.
In conclusion, Carlos Sainz Sr.’s consideration of a presidential run for the FIA marks a significant moment in the world of motorsport. With his extensive experience and a genuine passion for the sport, he is poised to potentially bring a fresh perspective to the governing body. As the election date approaches, the motorsport community watches closely to see if Sainz will officially declare his candidacy and how his vision for the future of the FIA could reshape the landscape of motorsport governance.
