FIA President Ben Sulayem seeks to scrap presidential term limits
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) could soon see its governance structure change. Current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is reportedly looking to remove the presidential term limit, a rule introduced under Jean Todt. This proposal, set to go to a vote soon, could pave the way for a prolonged tenure and signals a trend towards concentrating power within the governing body.
Towards a change in FIA statutes
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has led the FIA since 2021 and was re-elected unopposed for a second term at the end of 2025, aims to alter the fundamental rules of the federation. According to reports from the BBC, confirmed by Motorsport.com, the 64-year-old Emirati is seeking to abolish the limit of three presidential terms, capped at a maximum of 12 years. This rule, enshrined in Article 20.10 of the FIA statutes, was implemented during Jean Todt’s presidency, who himself adhered to it by stepping down in late 2021 after three terms.
Ben Sulayem’s stated objective is to create a “consistent approach to mandates within all FIA bodies,” mirroring practices already in place for the World Councils and the Senate, where no term limits are imposed. However, this proposal will require approval from the World Council and subsequently the FIA General Assembly, which is scheduled to convene next month. An FIA spokesperson clarified that “FIA bodies retain full authority to democratically elect their officials,” while referencing the example of the NFL and Roger Goodell, whose long tenure transformed the sport into a global brand.
A historical precedent under Jean Todt
The recent history of the FIA shows that term limits have been a key element of its governance. Jean Todt, president from 2009 to 2021, respected this rule, making way after twelve years at the helm of the organisation. Before him, Max Mosley led the body from 1993 to 2009. His departure was marked by deep disagreements with the teams and a personal scandal, leading him not to seek a fifth term. Ben Sulayem’s current desire to amend these statutes thus represents a departure from this tradition of limiting presidential power.
Already strengthened candidacy conditions
This potential removal of term limits comes in a context where the rules for candidacy for the FIA presidency have already been tightened. Prior to last year’s election, measures were taken to restrict the number of applicants. The requirement to present a full list of intended vice-presidents, selected from World Council members and representatives from the federation’s various regions, effectively made it very difficult for individuals outside the incumbent team to stand. This was the case for Laura Villars, who legally challenged Ben Sulayem’s election.
Towards a consolidation of power?
Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s proposal would not stop there. Further adjustments could be introduced to further restrict access to the presidency. It is being considered, for instance, to require candidates to “demonstrate sufficient experience within an FIA member organisation or an FIA body.” Additionally, the deadline for submitting the list of vice-presidents could be extended from 49 to 100 days before the election. If approved, these measures clearly aim to consolidate the incumbent president’s position and make any opposition more challenging, thereby strengthening the potentially less democratic nature of the election.
Targeted adjustments for other positions
It is noteworthy that Ben Sulayem’s proposal does not seek to extend term limits to all positions of responsibility within the FIA, but specifically to abolish them for the presidency. Other roles, such as the chairs of the Anti-Doping Committee or the F1 Cost Cap Committee, are currently subject to the same limit. If the aim is consistency, it is surprising that this limit is not being generalised to all elected positions, rather than simply removed for the top decision-making role. The reason for this specific choice has not been clearly explained by the FIA.
Key takeaways
- Removal of term limits: Mohammed Ben Sulayem wishes to scrap the rule limiting FIA presidential terms to three.
- Upcoming vote: The proposal will be submitted for approval by the FIA World Council and General Assembly in the coming month.
- Strengthened candidacy requirements: Existing and proposed measures aim to make access to the presidency more difficult.
- Questionable consistency: The removal of the limit for the president, while it applies to other roles, raises questions.
- Governance: This development could mark a turning point in how power is structured within the FIA.
