Mohammed Ben Sulayem has secured a second four-year term as President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), following a decisive and uncontested vote during the organization’s General Assembly held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The election, conducted on Friday, December 12, 2025, reaffirmed Ben Sulayem’s leadership at the highest level of global motorsport governance and highlighted the broad confidence placed in his vision by FIA member organizations worldwide.
The General Assembly, organized in partnership with the National Automobile and Motorcycling Federation of Uzbekistan (NAFKU), brought together representatives from national automobile clubs and motorsport authorities across the globe. It marked one of the most significant governance moments in international motorsport for the year, with leadership continuity emerging as a central theme.
Ben Sulayem stood as the sole candidate in the presidential race after Swiss motorsport administrator Laura Villars withdrew her candidacy earlier in the process. Villars had initially signaled her intention to challenge the incumbent but later announced her withdrawal, citing administrative difficulties and challenges related to securing the necessary documentation required to formalize her nomination within FIA regulations.
With no opposing candidate, the vote proceeded as a confidence ballot. Of the FIA’s full voting membership, 91.51 percent cast their ballots in favor of Ben Sulayem’s re-election, while 8.49 percent chose to abstain. No votes were recorded against his candidacy, underscoring the strong institutional backing he enjoys within the federation.
The overwhelming support reflected not only approval of Ben Sulayem’s first-term performance but also a desire for stability as the FIA navigates a rapidly evolving motorsport and mobility landscape. In recent years, the organization has faced complex challenges, ranging from financial restructuring to regulatory modernization and increased scrutiny over governance transparency.
At 64 years old, Mohammed Ben Sulayem remains one of the most influential figures in international motorsport. A former rally driver and long-serving motorsport administrator, he has built a reputation as a reform-oriented leader with a strong emphasis on global inclusion and institutional accountability.
Following the announcement of the election results, Ben Sulayem addressed the General Assembly, expressing gratitude to FIA members for renewing their trust in his leadership. He emphasized unity, collective responsibility, and the importance of continued cooperation among national federations to advance the sport at every level.
He noted that the progress achieved during his first term was the result of shared commitment rather than individual effort, and he pledged to maintain an open and inclusive leadership approach in the years ahead.
Ben Sulayem first assumed the FIA presidency in 2021, succeeding Jean Todt after a closely watched election. His initial term began at a time when the federation was grappling with persistent financial deficits, structural inefficiencies, and growing demands for reform from both stakeholders and the wider motorsport community.
Under his leadership, the FIA undertook significant financial restructuring, successfully reducing years of accumulated annual losses and placing the organization on a more stable economic footing. Internal audits, budgetary discipline, and revised management practices were introduced to improve long-term sustainability.
Beyond financial recovery, Ben Sulayem prioritized organizational reform. His administration implemented governance changes aimed at strengthening institutional integrity, improving decision-making processes, and ensuring greater representation for smaller and emerging motorsport nations within FIA structures.
A key pillar of his presidency has been the promotion of diversity and inclusion across global motorsport. Ben Sulayem has consistently argued that the future growth of the sport depends on expanding opportunities beyond traditional powerhouses and supporting federations in developing regions.
This approach translated into increased technical, financial, and developmental assistance for emerging motorsport markets, enabling greater participation in international competitions and governance forums. Several national federations credited FIA-backed programs with helping them professionalize their operations and expand grassroots motorsport activities.
One of the most widely praised milestones of Ben Sulayem’s first term was the decision to award Rwanda the hosting rights for the 2024 FIA General Assembly. The event marked the first time in the FIA’s history that its annual assembly was held on African soil, a move seen as a powerful symbol of the organization’s commitment to continental inclusivity.
The Rwanda assembly brought global attention to African motorsport development and highlighted the continent’s growing role in the international automotive and mobility sector. It also reinforced Ben Sulayem’s broader strategy of decentralizing FIA activities and recognizing the contributions of regions historically underrepresented in global motorsport governance.
The 2025 General Assembly in Tashkent extended this global outreach, underscoring the FIA’s intent to rotate major events across diverse regions. Uzbekistan’s hosting of the assembly reflected Central Asia’s increasing engagement with international motorsport and automotive governance.
In addition to the presidential election, the General Assembly also oversaw elections and appointments to several key FIA bodies, including the FIA World Motor Sport Council, executive commissions, and specialized committees. These entities will serve until 2029 and play a critical role in shaping the federation’s regulatory, technical, and strategic direction.
The newly constituted councils and commissions are expected to work closely with Ben Sulayem on a wide range of priorities, including motorsport safety standards, regulatory harmonization, and the integration of emerging automotive technologies.
As motorsport faces increasing pressure to adapt to environmental concerns, sustainability featured prominently in discussions surrounding the assembly. The FIA has positioned itself as a central actor in promoting sustainable mobility, alternative fuels, and electric racing platforms, aligning motorsport innovation with broader global climate goals.
Ben Sulayem has been a vocal advocate for balancing performance, competition, and sustainability, arguing that motorsport can serve as a testing ground for technologies that benefit the wider automotive industry. His renewed mandate provides continuity for these initiatives at a time when regulatory clarity and long-term planning are essential.
Safety has also remained a cornerstone of his leadership. During his first term, the FIA introduced updated safety protocols across multiple disciplines, reinforcing its role as the global authority on motorsport safety standards. Continued investment in research, data analysis, and regulatory enforcement is expected during his second term.
Observers note that Ben Sulayem’s re-election sends a strong signal of stability to stakeholders across the motorsport ecosystem, including teams, manufacturers, promoters, and sponsors. In an environment marked by rapid technological change and commercial pressures, consistent leadership is seen as a critical asset.
The absence of a contested race, combined with the high approval rate, suggests that FIA members broadly view Ben Sulayem’s leadership as effective and forward-looking. While debates and criticisms have surfaced during his tenure, the election outcome indicates that a majority of members favor continuity over uncertainty.
Looking ahead, Ben Sulayem is expected to focus on consolidating reforms, enhancing transparency, and further strengthening the FIA’s global relevance. His second term will coincide with a pivotal period for motorsport, as electric and hybrid technologies, digital innovation, and sustainability reshape the sport’s future.
With a renewed mandate extending to 2029, Mohammed Ben Sulayem now enters the next phase of his presidency with strong institutional backing, a clear strategic direction, and heightened expectations from the global motorsport community.
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