Ben Sulayem re-elected in absurd FIA election

In what can only be described as a masterclass in democratic theater, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has secured another four years at the helm of the FIA, the governing body for international motorsport and mobility. The 64-year-old Emirati, who first grabbed the presidency in 2021 by edging out his rival Graham Stoker with about 62% of the vote, didn’t even break a sweat this time around. Why? Because he ran completely unopposed in an “election” held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, just before the glitzy 2025 prize-giving bash.

Let’s pause for a moment to appreciate the sheer absurdity here. In a world where elections are supposed to involve, you know, actual choices and competition, Ben Sulayem’s reelection feels more like a coronation scripted by a bad reality TV producer. He gushed in his victory statement about overcoming “many obstacles” and how the FIA is “stronger than ever,” thanking members for their “trust.” But trust in what, exactly? A system where potential challengers are conveniently sidelined by bureaucratic hurdles that scream foul play?

Flash back to the buildup: There were whispers of real opposition brewing. Tim Mayer, a former FIA steward with some gravitas in the racing world; Laura Villars, a driver pushing for change; and even Virginie Philippot, a model and influencer dipping her toes into the political fray. Sounds like the makings of a spicy contest, right? Wrong. None of them made it to the ballot, thanks to the FIA’s oh-so-convenient rule demanding that candidates assemble a full slate of seven vice-presidents from the organization’s six global regions. It’s like requiring a job applicant to bring their own board of directors just to submit a resume. It’s ridiculous, and clearly designed to stack the deck.

The plot thickens with Fabiana Ecclestone, the lone eligible vice-president from South America (and yes, that’s Bernie Ecclestone’s wife), who threw her weight behind Ben Sulayem. Mayer didn’t mince words, blasting the whole setup as an “illusion of democracy”. Meanwhile, Villars took it to the courts in Paris, suing over the undemocratic nonsense. A judge there decided on December 3 that a full trial is warranted, set for February 16 which could have the power to potentially toss out this sham vote entirely. Yet, the FIA plowed ahead, issuing a press release patting itself on the back for a “robust and transparent” process that supposedly reflects the “collective voice” of its members. Collective voice? More like an echo chamber where dissent gets muffled before it even starts.

This isn’t just a quirky governance glitch; it’s a glaring spotlight on how entrenched power in motorsport’s upper echelons operates. Ben Sulayem, with his background as a rally driver and long-time FIA insider, promises to keep “delivering” for motorsport, mobility, and member clubs worldwide. But delivering what? More of the same controversies that have dogged his first term, like clashes with Formula 1 teams over regulations or whispers of favoritism? The list of his newly elected team includes figures like Malcolm Wilson as Deputy President for Sport and a roster of regional VPs that reads like a who’s who of status quo supporters.

Looking at the FIA’s presidential hall of fame, it’s business as usual in a club that prioritizes continuity over accountability. Ben Sulayem’s unopposed romp to victory isn’t a triumph; it’s a farce that undermines the very idea of fair play the FIA claims to uphold on the track. If this is the pinnacle of motorsport governance, maybe it’s time to question whether the sport’s leaders are racing toward progress or just circling the drain in a rigged game.