Why Mohammed Ben Sulayem could again become FIA president without opposition

The FIA faces a potentially pivotal moment on December 12 when votes will be cast to determine its next president.

Incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem is seeking a second term in office but has opposition, notably in the form of former steward Tim Mayer, Swiss-French racing driver Laura Villars, and Virginie Philippot, a former Miss International contestant.

As part of the process, by a deadline of October 24, all candidates must nominate a 10-person team, which includes a Senate president, a deputy president for automobile mobility and tourism, a deputy president for sports, and a key group of seven vice presidents for sports.

The focus lies heavily on choosing the seven vice presidents, selected from individuals on an FIA-approved list. 

Those individuals must be from different regions, with representation required from North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, Africa, Middle East/North Africa, and two from Europe. However, a peculiar detail has emerged in the latest candidate list.

Of the 29 candidates on the list, only one hails from South America - Fabiana Ecclestone, wife of former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, from Brazil.

A steadfast supporter of Ben Sulayem since May, she presently serves as a vice president and appears on his presidential slate.

This requirement poses a significant challenge, considering candidates cannot feature on multiple lists, a rule that restricts the options available to other contenders, potentially rendering the race a foregone conclusion.

Nonetheless, RacingNews365 understands that Mayer, in particular, remains composed, acknowledging the South American candidate issue while expressing confidence in resolving it ahead of his list submission.

If not, he may be forced to withdraw. Philippot faces the same problem.

Villars, meanwhile, has yet to initiate communication with the FIA regarding the procedural obligations and is certainly out of the running.

Failure by the opposing candidates to register a valid support team by the stipulated deadline could leave Ben Sulayem running unchallenged, and securing the presidency again.