Two-time World Rally champion Carlos Sainz Sr is gauging support to challenge Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the FIA’s top post.
The prospect has sparked debate over potential conflicts with his son, Williams driver Carlos Sainz Jr.
Williams Boss Sees No Issue
Team principal James Vowles dismissed conflict concerns, saying, “I don’t believe [it would create complications] if he were to be successful.”
He highlighted Sainz Sr’s “40 years’ experience” and “logical view on how the sport’s constructed.”
Breadth Of Motorsport Knowledge
Vowles added, “I think he would [be a good fit], simply because he’s got a couple of world championships to name, he’s got a breadth of motorsport, he understands single-seaters down into rallying.”
He argued that experience in Spanish mobility organisations means the administrative leap “isn’t as big a step as some may think.”
Decision Timeline
Sainz Sr will spend the coming weeks testing whether national clubs will back his bid before formally declaring.
If he runs, the election would pit a hands-on rally icon against the incumbent president who introduced major governance reforms after 2021.
Firewalls And Governance
Vowles believes proper structures could “firewall” any interaction between father and son, ensuring sporting integrity remains intact should Sainz Sr prevail.