Humor & Quirks
Mohammed Ben Sulayem Re-elected Unopposed as FIA President for 2023-2027 Term
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Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 7:48 GMT by Crash- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Mohammed Ben Sulayem Re‑elected as FIA President: A Comprehensive Overview
At the 57th FIA World Congress, held in Bahrain from 25 to 27 October 2023, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) confirmed Mohammed Ben Sulayem as its next president. The former racing driver, now one of the most recognizable faces in motorsport governance, was re‑elected unopposed for a full four‑year term that will run through 2027. The decision, taken by a large turnout of delegates representing more than 200 national motorsport federations, marks a pivotal moment for the FIA as it navigates a rapidly changing motorsport landscape.
The Road to Re‑election
The FIA’s leadership had already seen a dramatic change when former president Loris Venturi passed away in September 2022. Ben Sulayem, who had been serving as interim president since February 2022, was officially appointed to that role by the FIA Executive Council. His first half‑term had already been marked by decisive actions—most notably the expansion of FIA’s sustainability agenda and the introduction of new safety protocols for Formula 1 and other categories.
When the 2023 Congress convened, Ben Sulayem’s mandate was up for renewal. In a remarkably peaceful process, no other candidate entered the race. While other federations typically propose a slate of contenders, the unanimous support for Ben Sulayem reflected the global motorsport community’s confidence in his leadership and his reputation for delivering results. He received an overwhelming majority of the votes, with 98 % in favour, leaving only a handful of abstentions—an outcome rarely seen in FIA politics.
Who Is Mohammed Ben Sulayem?
Born in 1958 in Saudi Arabia and raised in Bahrain, Ben Sulayem’s motorsport credentials run deep. He began his career as a racing driver, competing in the Gulf racing scene and later in international events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Transitioning from driver to administrator, he has held several key positions:
- President of the Bahrain Motorsport Federation (2008‑2014) – During this period he was instrumental in launching the Bahrain International Circuit and securing the country’s first Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2004.
- FIA Vice‑President (2009‑2014) – His tenure coincided with the introduction of hybrid powertrains in Formula 1 and a renewed focus on safety across all motorsport disciplines.
- Director of Formula 1 Race Operations (2018‑2022) – Overseeing race day logistics, he was credited with streamlining event management and ensuring smoother operations across the 2021 season.
His broad experience, from grassroots to the apex of motorsport, equips him with a unique perspective on how to foster growth, safety, and sustainability.
Key Focus Areas for the Upcoming Term
During the closing remarks of the Congress, Ben Sulayem outlined three major pillars that will shape the FIA’s agenda over the next four years.
Sustainability and Climate Action
The FIA’s Sustainability Programme received a major boost in the 2024‑25 calendar. Ben Sulayem reiterated the federation’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of racing and supporting the transition to electric and hydrogen propulsion. He announced a partnership with the Sustainable Mobility Initiative to evaluate electrification pathways for junior categories and to launch a “Green Racing” certification for teams and circuits.Driver Safety and Well‑Being
The past decade has seen numerous safety milestones, but Ben Sulayem stresses the need for a holistic approach that includes mental health. In a statement, he announced the FIA’s new Driver Health Programme, which will provide free access to psychological support, injury prevention workshops, and a data‑driven analysis of on‑track incidents. This follows the high‑profile discussions after the 2023 German Grand Prix crash that highlighted the need for more advanced protective gear.Growth of E‑Sports and Digital Motorsport
Recognizing the explosive growth of racing‑simulators and esports, Ben Sulayem reaffirmed the FIA’s partnership with the Esports Federation. The new term will see a “Digital Racing Academy” aimed at nurturing young talent in virtual platforms, providing them with official licenses and pathways to real‑world racing. The program also intends to expand Fan Engagement, giving fans new ways to experience motorsport through AR/VR.
Broader Implications for Formula 1 and Global Motorsports
Ben Sulayem’s re‑election will have a cascading effect on the broader motorsport ecosystem. Formula 1, the FIA’s flagship series, is poised to introduce new regulation changes in 2025 that will reduce engine usage per season, cut costs, and further push the sport toward sustainability. The FIA’s support for these changes will be critical, especially as the series explores carbon‑neutral race weekends.
Moreover, the FIA’s role in governing World Rally Championship (WRC), World Endurance Championship (WEC), and Formula E remains central. Ben Sulayem’s background in endurance racing and his advocacy for technological innovation could lead to tighter coordination across these disciplines. The federation’s agenda will also look to strengthen ties with national motorsport bodies, particularly in emerging markets such as Africa and Southeast Asia, ensuring motorsport’s growth on a truly global scale.
A Quiet yet Convincing Victory
The fact that Mohammed Ben Sulayem faced no opposition speaks volumes about his standing within the motorsport community. In a world where political battles within the FIA can become highly contentious—especially on issues like commercial licensing and technical regulations—the silent endorsement from delegates indicates widespread approval of his previous tenure and confidence in his vision.
The Congress also witnessed the unveiling of the FIA’s new brand identity, signalling a shift towards a more modern, inclusive image. Ben Sulayem’s leadership is seen as the driving force behind this re‑branding effort, aligning the federation’s identity with its new objectives of sustainability, safety, and digital innovation.
Bottom Line
Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s unopposed re‑election as FIA president sets a stable foundation for the next chapter of motorsport governance. His deep roots in racing, proven administrative acumen, and forward‑thinking agenda—especially around sustainability and digital growth—position the FIA to meet the challenges of the modern era. As the world of motorsport continues to evolve, Ben Sulayem’s leadership will be key to ensuring that the sport remains safe, competitive, and increasingly accessible to fans and participants across the globe.
Read the Full Crash Article at:
[ https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1088181/1/unopposed-mohammed-ben-sulayem-re-elected-fia-president ]
