The FIA, the international federation overseeing Formula 1 and global motorsport, recently mandated that candidates submit a "presidential list" by October 24, 2025, including a president of the senate,
deputy presidents for sport and mobility, and seven vice-presidents for sport drawn from approved World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) nominees. These vice-presidents must hail from distinct regions, two from Europe, and one each from Africa, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Asia-Pacific, North America, and South America. The FIA's recently published list of 29 eligible WMSC candidates includes just one from South America, Fabiana Ecclestone, the Brazilian wife of former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and a current member of Ben Sulayem's team.
Rules prohibit nominees from appearing on multiple lists, rendering it impossible for rivals to field a South American vice-president. Amid this scenario, Incumbent FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is on track to secure a second four-year term unopposed in the governing body's December 12, 2025 election. The development, which has reportedly ignited fresh criticism over the FIA's commitment to transparency and democratic principles, stems from a requirement that presidential candidates assemble a slate of vice-presidents representing each of the organization's six global regions. Daniel Coen, Ben Sulayem's North American nominee and a Costa Rican national, reportedly may not qualify, as candidates must represent countries hosting international events Costa Rica does not.
Tim Mayer, Laura Villars and Virginie Philippot have publicly declared themselves as challengers: Reports
Reports claim that three challengers had publicly declared their intentions: American Tim Mayer, a former F1 steward reportedly fired by the FIA in November 2024; Swiss ex-racing driver Laura Villars; and Belgian journalist Virginie Philippot, who aimed to become the body's first female president. Mayer, campaigning under the "FIA Forward" banner since July, reportedly accused Ben Sulayem of fostering an "illusion of integrity" and marginalizing dissenters. Villars has not ruled out a legal challenge, reportedly citing "legitimate concerns" about the process's fairness. Reports claim that Philippot, a motorsport media veteran, similarly decried the barriers to entry. FIA has reportedly yet to respond to queries on the matter, citing electoral neutrality obligations.
This unopposed path reportedly caps a tumultuous tenure for Ben Sulayem, elected in December 2021 as the FIA's first non-European president with 61.62% of votes. Reports claim that his leadership has been plagued by high-profile controversies and a revolving door of senior departures. In 2024, whistleblowers reportedly accused him of interfering in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix results and blocking Las Vegas circuit certification, allegations cleared by the FIA's ethics committee, though the investigating officer, Paolo Basarri, was later sacked. A reported crackdown on drivers' swearing drew ire from the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, with Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc fined in November 2024; the FIA later softened penalties amid backlash.
