Sainz Sr Contemplates Running for FIA President

In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com, two-time World Rally champion Carlos Sainz Sr has expressed his interest in running for the presidency of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). With the next presidential election scheduled for 12 December in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sainz is currently assessing the level of support he can garner from the motorsport community.

A Potential New Leader for Motorsport’s Governing Body

Sainz, who continues to race and won the Dakar Rally in 2024 with Audi, has previously considered the role of FIA president but never seriously until now. “I have been driving for more than 40 years, and this sport has given me everything,” he said. “This possibility has been in my mind for some time now, not very deeply, but now I think it could be the right time in my career for me to take the step.

Sainz is confident that his extensive experience in motorsport and his ability to assemble a strong team would enable him to make significant contributions to the sport and the automobile industry. “I have accumulated a lot of experience in this sport throughout the years, and I’m certain I can bring new and interesting things, to strengthen and develop the sport and the automobile world,” he said.

Addressing Potential Conflicts of Interest

When asked about potential conflicts of interest, given his relationship with his son, Carlos Sainz Jr, who is a driver for Williams F1, Sainz Sr assured that any such issues would be addressed appropriately. “I have my track record, and people know me well enough to understand that this will not be an issue,” he said. “He’s not a child anymore, he has been in F1 for a decade now, and we both know that if I go ahead with this project our relationship will change, of course.

Improving Relations within the Motorsport Community

If elected, Sainz aims to improve relations between the FIA and various racing bodies by actively listening to all stakeholders, including drivers, teams, fans, organizers, promoters, and manufacturers. “I have been on the other side of motorsport, and I know how important it is to listen to everybody,” he said. “I truly think I can make that relationship much smoother and stronger.

A New Era for the FIA?

Sainz will now determine the level of support he has before deciding whether to formally put himself forward as a candidate. If elected, he aims to lead the FIA into a new era that is respected and appreciated by everyone within the motorsport community.