Mohammed Ben Sulayem receives crucial backing in bid to retain FIA presidency

Mohammed Ben Sulayem's chances of being re-elected for a second term as president of the FIA have received a huge boost after he received the backing of various FIA members from across the Americas. 

According to documents seen by RacingNews365, a total of 37 figures from national motor sport clubs across the Americas have signed a letter to "strongly encourage" Ben Sulayem to seek re-election to a second term, given "four years is a short time to complete the ambitious reforms you have initiated."

Interestingly, the signatures include that of Fabiana Ecclestone, the FIA vice-president for sport, and wife of former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. 

Others include Tim Shearman, who, whilst also being head of the Canadian Automobile Association, is a key member of Ben Sulayem's inner circle as deputy president for automobile mobility and tourism. 

In further good news for Ben Sulayem, the MENA and African regions quickly followed suit with their own endorsement. 

The letter, seen by RacingNews365, written in both English and Spanish, thanks Ben Sulayem, who succeeded Jean Todt in December 2021, for taking "decisive and bold action from Day 1" to turn around the "catastrophic financial situation" he had inherited.

A key pledge of Ben Sulayem's manifesto was to return power to the member clubs of the FIA, with the letter thanking the former rally driver for "treating each of us with equal respect, this inclusive approach is deeply appreciated."

The 2025 FIA presidential election will take place in Uzbekistan on December 12th, at a meeting of the general assembly.

To stand, a candidate must outline their plans for who will fill the presidency of the senate, a deputy president, vice-presidents for sport, as well as a deputy president and seven vice-presidents for automobiles, mobility and tourism. 

Fabiana Ecclestone serves as one of these FIA vice-presidents for sport, for South America.

To win in the election, a candidate must simply win an outright majority in the first round, and then just a majority in any subsequent rounds. Each member country voting in the secret ballot receives 24 votes, split equally between sport and mobility.

Ben Sulayem's presidency has been controversial at times, with several key resignations including his deputy president Robert Reid and that of CEO Natalie Robyn, who aimed sharp criticism at the president, but who continues to enjoy strong support from the member clubs of the FIA, as evidenced by this letter.