Carlos Sainz Jr. recently shared his insights on his father, Carlos Sainz Sr., contemplating a bid for the presidency of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile). The two-time world rally champion is weighing the decision of whether to officially enter the race against the current president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Reports suggest that Sainz Sr. is currently evaluating the level of support he might receive from various automotive clubs associated with the FIA before making a final choice.
Sainz Jr. explained that the idea of his father running for this prestigious position initially did not originate from him. Instead, it seems to have been sparked by conversations among individuals in the motorsport paddock, gradually influencing Sainz Sr. to consider the possibility more seriously. As they discussed the subject leading up to the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Sainz Jr. acknowledged his challenge in remaining objective due to his familial ties. However, he believes that his father possesses the necessary qualifications and extensive experience to understand what the role of FIA president entails.
“We’ve been discussing this for a while,” Sainz Jr. said, emphasizing that the interest in his father’s potential candidacy has grown over time. “Interestingly, it didn’t come directly from him. Many people in the paddock have been suggesting it, and little by little, he started to contemplate it.”
The younger Sainz pointed out that while his father is considering this significant step, he has yet to form a campaign team or formalize his candidacy. The decision remains contingent on how Sainz Sr. perceives his fit for the role and the support he can garner.
As Sainz Jr. reflected on his father’s qualifications, he highlighted their shared experiences in motorsport, particularly the formative years spent together in karting and single-seater racing. “My dad has a deep understanding of the motorsport landscape,” he remarked. “He has lived through the karting days with me and understands the roots of motorsport. He’s spent a decade in Formula 1 with me and has four decades of rallying experience.”
In addition to his racing background, Sainz Sr. is actively engaged in road safety initiatives in Spain, notably the ‘Ponle Freno’ campaign. “He has accumulated a wealth of experiences across various motorsport disciplines,” Sainz Jr. noted, adding that his father is nearing the end of his own racing career and is eager to give back to the motorsport community that has shaped his life.
Sainz Jr. expressed confidence that his father would approach the political intricacies of the FIA presidency with a practical mindset. He believes that the potential conflict of interest arising from Sainz Sr.’s racing career and his presidential ambitions is minimal. “I can’t think of any scenarios where my dad’s racing career and his possible presidential run would conflict,” he stated. “We are honest people, and I would never compromise our integrity in motorsport.”
The younger Sainz elaborated on the ongoing discussions surrounding his father’s bid, noting that Sainz Sr. is currently trying to understand the electoral process and the number of supporters he would need to rally. “He’s evaluating everything and learning how it all works,” Sainz Jr. indicated. “I’m focused on my role at Williams, allowing him to navigate this journey on his own.”
While Sainz Jr. acknowledges the challenging aspects of motorsport politics, he also believes that his father could bring a refreshing perspective. “If anyone can minimize the politics involved, it might just be my dad,” he asserted. “He tends to approach life with common sense and straightforward principles.”
As the conversation progressed, Sainz Jr. reflected on the political landscape of motorsport governance. He noted that in an environment often fraught with complications, having someone like Sainz Sr. at the helm could promote a more transparent and sensible approach to decision-making.
“I’ve been trying to think of scenarios where it could potentially create a conflict of interest, but I genuinely don’t see it,” he said. “If anything, we would be extra cautious to ensure that neither my image nor his is tarnished by any situation that could arise.”
Ultimately, Sainz Jr.’s commitment to maintaining integrity in their family’s reputation in motorsport remains paramount. “We know that motorsport is a small world, and personal connections matter,” he said. “We are honest individuals, and that’s something we hold dear.”
This potential presidential campaign is not merely a personal ambition for Sainz Sr. but represents a chance to influence the future of motorsport governance. As he weighs his options, the support of the motorsport community and the confidence of his family will play crucial roles in his decision-making process.
As the situation develops, both Carlos Sainz Sr. and Jr. are navigating their respective paths in the world of motorsport. While Sainz Jr. remains focused on his career in Formula 1 with Williams, he is also keeping a close eye on his father’s endeavors, ready to provide support and guidance as needed. The intersection of their careers highlights the close-knit nature of the motorsport community and the shared experiences that mold its athletes.
In conclusion, the prospect of Carlos Sainz Sr. running for FIA president opens a new chapter for both him and his son. As they continue to engage in discussions about the future of motorsport, their commitment to integrity, transparency, and dedication to the sport will undoubtedly shape the narrative of this unfolding story. With the potential for significant change in the FIA, the Sainz family stands at a pivotal crossroads, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
