FIA clubs endorse Ben Sulayem for second term as President

In a joint letter addressed to Ben Sulayem, 36 member clubs from FIA Regions III and IV – representing North, Central and South America – praised his leadership for steering the organisation out of a financial crisis and revitalising both its sporting and mobility arms.

The letter, signed by club presidents and Vice Presidents for Sport from both American continents, was submitted under the name “Hermanos” and credited the Emirati with delivering on his election promises made in 2021.

The letter read: “We are all acutely aware of the catastrophic financial situation you inherited. Without the decisive and bold actions you took from day one, the very future of the FIA would have been at risk.

“The turnaround achieved in less than four years is nothing short of extraordinary, especially when coupled with the implementation of professional management systems that you deployed in parallel.”

Presidents also highlighted Ben Sulayem’s inclusive leadership style, saying: “As club Presidents, we have personally felt and experienced the daily focus you and your leadership team have placed on supporting and engaging with us – the members – treating each of us with equal respect.”

The signatories acknowledged the FIA’s renewed global status, stating: “We recognise and commend the significant efforts made by you and your team to reposition the FIA as a global leader in both mobility and motorsport. The strength and reputation of the FIA brand have clearly grown as a result of your leadership.”

Under Ben Sulayem’s presidency, the FIA reported a major financial recovery. After posting a €24.0 million operating loss in 2021, the federation closed the 2024 fiscal year with an operating income of €182.0 million and an operating result of €4.7 million.

The letter concluded with a call for continuity: “We understand that four years is a short time to complete the ambitious reforms you have initiated. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to seek re-election at the upcoming FIA Annual General Assembly, so that you may continue the important work you have started, with our full support.”

Notable signatories included Ricardo Morales Rubio, President of FIA Region IV (South and Central America), and Fabiana Ecclestone, FIA Vice President for Sport – South America.

Responding to the message of support, Ben Sulayem said: “I am honoured by the support I’ve received from across 36 Member Clubs in Regions III and IV. It is a privilege to be part of such a dedicated global community.

“My commitment remains steadfast: to lead a federation that puts its Member Clubs at the core of everything we do and to continue to deliver across my manifesto promises.”

He added: “I remain committed to expanding motorsport participation through grassroots initiatives and accessibility programs like the Affordable Cross Car and the Global Karting Plan.

“At the same time, I continue to empower every region by leveraging the FIA’s mobility expertise, reinforcing its central role in the automotive industry, and leading vital conversations around the future of sustainable cities, road safety, and intelligent transport systems.

“Together, we will continue to deliver a stronger FIA we can each be proud of," Ben Sulayem concluded.

As for now, there has been no rival candidate on the horizon, while time runs short for anyone to mount a serious campaign. Susie Wolff and Carlos Sainz Senior have been bandied about in the media as possible entrants into a presidential race; neither seems interested for now.