Rally legend Carlos Sainz has announced he will not run for the presidency of motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, in December’s election.
The two-time World Rally Champion, 63, stated that “present circumstances are not ideal” and that a campaign would interfere with his preparations for next year’s Dakar Rally.
Sainz, who won his fourth Dakar title in 2024 and will compete with Ford in January, explained that pursuing the FIA role would “notably compromise my preparation for the Dakar.”
He added that he believes the FIA “still needs important changes.”
His withdrawal leaves current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem as the sole declared candidate.
Ben Sulayem’s term has been marked by controversy, including changes to FIA statutes and numerous leadership sackings, as well as ongoing issues that have strained relationships within Formula 1.
The FIA is also currently facing a lawsuit from Susie Wolff.
