Mohammed Ben Sulayem has finally cracked the F1 code — how to guarantee pole position without even hitting the track: just make sure everyone else registers a DNF.
The current FIA president, who has previously shown patterns of being allergic to accountability, is seemingly cruising toward an unopposed re-election.
With the deadline for FIA presidential nominations fast approaching (October 24), it looks increasingly likely that no one else can even mount a valid campaign, leaving the most controversial figure in modern motorsport politics to rule for another four years.
How the FIA Rules Block Any Rival
To challenge for the presidency, candidates must present a team of seven vice-presidential nominees from different global regions, including one
from South America.
Yet, the FIA’s own published list of 29 eligible names features only one South American — Fabiana Ecclestone, wife of ex-F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
Ben Sulayem (or MBS), conveniently, has already claimed Fabiana as part of his team. And since candidates cannot share running mates, this effectively shuts down any rival ticket before it even starts.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem has won the 2025 FIA Presidential Election before it has happened. Not a shock but here is how
You have to produce what is called a Presidential List to be a candidate. That List has to have 7 VPs for Sport representing the Global regions of the FIA.
(cont) pic.twitter.com/vWah9JrAU0— Nico C. Greene (@NCGaccount) October 2, 2025
The FIA insists the eligibility list is final, meaning that Ben Sulayem’s re-election in December’s General Assembly in Uzbekistan is now a foregone conclusion.
From Promises of Reform to Reign of Dysfunction
When Ben Sulayem took charge in 2021, he promised a new era of transparency and inclusivity. Instead, his presidency has been marred by staff exodus, governance crises, and public embarrassments.
Senior officials have resigned in droves, citing a toxic culture and erratic decision-making. Internal turmoil has become so frequent that “chaos at the FIA” might as well be a standing headline.
MBS’s tenure has been a carousel of controversies. From his public crusade against swearing drivers to alleged micromanagement of Formula 1 operations, his leadership style has been described by insiders as “autocratic” and “image-obsessed.”
He’s also been accused of sidelining dissenters: a claim echoed by ex-F1 steward Tim Mayer, who publicly slammed Ben Sulayem for “failing to deliver on promises” and “pushing out staff who disagreed with him.”
Well, it seems like the FIA’s democratic facade barely conceals what looks like a stitched-up system where rivals can’t even enter the starting grid.
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