Carlos Sainz got off the race for the presidency of the FIA
The Bicampeón of the WRC world and four times winner of the Dakar announced that it will be presented in the next elections of the International Automobile Federation.
“After a deep reflection, I would like to confirm that I have finally decided not to present myself to the presidency of the FIA in the elections, “Carlos Sainz announced on his social networks. The Spanish, father of the Williams pilot in F1, had confirmed last April his intention to be an alternative to Mohammed Ben Sulayem, current president of the International Automobile Federation.
Sainz, twice WRC champion and winner of four Dakar editions in cars, had not officialized his candidacy for a simple reason: he did not want to get on to lose. In the last two months, the Madrid was dedicated to counting the votes to know if the accounts finally gave him. But he found that the Emirati has a very strong thrust. In the elections that will be held at the end of the year (Ben Sulayem goes for its first re -election), there will be 245 organizations with the right to vote, distributed in 149 countries. To win the elections, absolute majority is needed (Sulayem achieved 61.62% in 2021).
“I have worked intensely in recent months to thoroughly understand the situation in the FIA and the demands and complexities that such an important project entails. Additionally, to present myself with guarantees to the presidency, I could compromise my preparation for the Dakar and I do not want to weaken my commitment to Ford and my team. Not continuing in this race does not mean that my passion for serving and leading in the world of motoring has changed. I still believe that the organization needs important changes. I sincerely hope it is addressed in the coming years, ”said Sainz.
Thus, for the moment, Ben Sulayem remains the only candidate for president of the FIA for the end of the year elections.
