Carlos Sainz Sr has formally decided not to run for the FIA presidency, clearing the path for Mohammed Ben Sulayem to be re-elected later this year.
Sainz Sr, the father of Williams F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr, was exploring the possibility of challenging incumbent Ben Sulayem in December's election following multiple controversies under his leadership.
Many figures in F1 believed that Sainz would have made a strong candidate had he decided to run, with candidates needing to piece together their teams, including a deputy president and multiple vice-presidents well ahead of the election.
However, after Ben Sulayem received the backing of multiple national member associations over the Spanish GP weekend, Sainz's bid was hanging by a thread, given the member associations elect the president.
Now, the World Rally Champion has formally decided that he is not going to stand in this election "as the present circumstances are not ideal to set the grounds for my candidacy," and also citied his ongoing involvement in the Dakar Rally.
Check out the full statement from Carlos Sainz Sr below!
Carlos Sainz Sr statement in full
This message is to publicly confirm that I have finally decided not to run for the presidency of the FIA in this year's election.
I have worked hard these past months to understand in depth the situation at the FIA and the demands and complexities that come with such an important project.
After a thoughtful reflection, I have come to the conclusion that the present circumstances are not ideal to set the grounds for my candidacy.
Furthermore, I have realised that properly running for President would notably compromise my preparation for the Dakar and I do not wish to weaken my commitment to Ford and my team.
These concerns have therefore inclined me to be realistic and desist from my FIA
endeavour for now. Despite stepping down from this race, my passion for serving and leading within the Motorsport world hasn't changed, and I still believe the organisation needs important changes, which I remain genuinely hopeful that will be tackled in the upcoming years.
Both racing and mobility have been my life, and I will closely follow future developments with great interest.
I will always support my sport and try to contribute in all meaningful ways to improve mobility for road users around the world.
Finally, I want to sincerely thank you all for the messages of support, encouragement and advice I have received during the past weeks.
They have reinforced my confidence to continue striving towards my present and future goals, and I'm truly grateful.
Thank you.
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