Carlos Sainz Jr. Discusses His Father’s Possible Run for FIA President

Williams driver, Carlos Sainz Jr., has expressed his support for his father, two-time world rally champion Carlos Sainz Sr, who is considering a bid for the presidency of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The junior Sainz revealed that the idea was initially suggested by others within the motorsport community, and his father has since become increasingly interested in the possibility.

Credentials and Experience for the Role

Speaking about his father’s potential candidacy, Carlos Sainz Jr. emphasized his belief that his father possesses the necessary credentials and experience to excel as FIA president. He highlighted his father’s extensive background in various motorsport disciplines, including karting, single-seaters, rallying, and raids, as well as his work with the ‘Ponle Freno’ [road safety] campaign in Spain.

Sainz Jr. suggested that his father would approach the role with a “common sense” approach, focusing on understanding the intricacies of motorsport governance and avoiding political maneuvering. He also expressed confidence that there would be no conflict of interest between his father’s potential presidential ambitions and his own racing career.

The 30-year-old driver explained that he and his father discuss the situation every one or two weeks, with his father currently evaluating the political landscape and understanding the election process. Sainz Jr. stated that he would leave the decision to his father, focusing on his own racing commitments with Williams.

Despite the potential challenges of politics within motorsport governance, Sainz Jr. expressed confidence that his father’s straightforward approach could help minimize these issues. He added that he could not think of any scenarios where a conflict of interest might arise between his father’s presidential ambitions and his own racing career.

The junior Sainz emphasized the honesty and integrity of both himself and his father, stating that they would never compromise their image or careers in such a situation. He expressed optimism about his father’s potential presidency, believing it could be an opportunity for him to give back to motorsport after a long and successful career.