Ben Sulayem pushing statute changes to tighten grip on FIA?

A confidential draft seen by BBC Sport outlines proposed amendments that will be submitted to the FIA General Assembly, Formula 1's governing body, for approval next month. These revisions include earlier deadlines for election candidates, expanded powers for the FIA president to influence candidate eligibility, and structural changes to key committees.

If approved, the changes would mark another significant shift in the internal governance of the FIA under Ben Sulayem, who assumed the presidency in 2021.

While no critics have gone on record, many are reportedly bound by non-disclosure agreements. Some who have reviewed the document describe it as a consolidation of authority.

“Most proposals aim at some sort of consolidation of power, more centralised control and trying to eliminate independent checks and balances,” one source told BBC.

Another described the tone of the document as “very cleverly written,” adding: “It’s taking a very moral high ground, or it’s appearing to. Whereas the reality of it is probably less so.”

The most contentious proposal concerns the integrity of election candidates. A new clause states that individuals listed on presidential tickets must have no record that could call their “professional integrity” into question. The justification offered is consistency with rules applied to other FIA committees, including the cost cap and ethics panels.

However, because the nominations and ethics committees are both now chaired or influenced by Ben Sulayem’s allies, following previous statute changes, the rule could effectively give the incumbent president indirect veto power over opposition candidates.

Observers note this new clause could potentially be used to block Carlos Sainz Sr, the two-time World Rally Champion and father of Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz, who has declared his intention to run for president.

The FIA Code of Ethics mandates that parties “avoid any conflicts of interest,” and critics suggest that Sainz’s family connection to an active F1 driver might be interpreted as such a conflict, particularly if reviewed by a committee loyal to Ben Sulayem.

Further changes target the structure of the FIA Senate, a key governance body that operates alongside the president. Currently, four of its 16 members are proposed by the president and confirmed by the other 12 members.

The revised statutes would give the president sole authority to appoint all four, removing the requirement for confirmation. The rationale offered is to allow “more flexibility in having the expertise required for the many and varied topics” the Senate must address.

However, critics argue that the existing Article 18.4 already permits external members to contribute when needed, rendering the new change unnecessary. One source said: “It’s so clearly poorer governance that the boldness is surprising.”

Another suggested the change was “a convenient way of dressing up a way where ‘I can potentially get rid of these people when it suits me.’”

The proposals also seek to align the term lengths of audit, ethics, and nominations committee members with that of the president. Currently, those terms do not begin or end with the presidential cycle. The document claims the move ensures consistency, but critics say it could reduce independent scrutiny between election cycles.

Ben Sulayem previously removed the heads of both the audit and ethics committees in 2024, following their involvement in inquiries related to his administration.

Changes are also proposed to the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC). At present, the FIA statutes limit the number of members from the same nationality. The new proposal allows “no more than two” members of the same nationality among the seven vice presidents and 14 elected WMSC representatives, purportedly to allow broader flexibility in sourcing talent.

One critic countered that this would give the president more leeway to “stack the WMSC with the people he wants.”

The deadline for presidential candidates to submit their full team has also been brought forward, from 21 days to 49 days before the vote. The FIA states the current deadline gives the nominations committee insufficient time to assess the eligibility of all 11 individuals required on each ticket.

However, opponents say the extended deadline offers the president more time to disqualify rival candidates through committee rulings.

Per FIA rules, each presidential candidate must name a full slate including a president of the senate, deputy presidents for sport and mobility, and seven regional vice presidents before being permitted to contest the election.