Ben Sulayem welcomes challengers in FIA re-election bid

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has welcomed challengers to his presidency of the FIA ahead of his re-election bid in 2025.

The former rally champion assumed office in December 2021 after Jean Todt stepped down after 12 years in post, with the investigation into the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix the first major talking point Ben Sulayem had to navigate.

His presidency has been largely focused on delivering for the member nations of the FIA, but there have been controversial flashpoints, including recently with Max Verstappen over his desire to see a reduction in the amount of swearing from drivers. 

The FIA President is term-limited to three four-year spells - or 12 years - meaning Ben Sulayem is eligible to stand in both the 2025 and 2029 elections, with candidates expected to declare their interests in challenging him over the next year before the ballot in 2025.

It is something he welcomes.

"If there's anyone who wants to have a [presidential] race with me, [I would be] more than happy [to compete]," he told Autosport.

"It's democracy all the time, not part of the time. So I'm more than happy [to take it up against somebody else].

"The FIA is in a better shape, the FIA is healthier. [F1] teams also need a strong and healthy FIA because nobody wants to spend [money] in a championship that is not governed.

"Internally, now they are efficient. Things move faster when it comes to delivery.

"We went back to our mission, which is to listen to the members. If you remove the members, there is no FIA. It is very simple."