Ben Sulayem proposes to abolish FIA presidency term limits

Mohammed Ben Sulayem proposed the removal of term limits for FIA presidents. This decision would allow the 64-year-old Emirati, who was unopposed in his re-election in December due to a peculiarity in election rules, to serve beyond the current 12-year limit. Under existing regulations, the presidential term lasts four years, with the possibility of re-election up to two additional terms, thus permitting a maximum of three terms.

The intention to amend the FIA's statutes will be discussed and voted on at the FIA General Assembly scheduled for next month, where it is anticipated to gain approval from the members. An FIA spokesperson stated: "A proposal has been put forward to establish a consistent approach to tenure across all FIA bodies, similar to what currently exists for the world councils and the senate." The proposal's acceptance is contingent upon approval by the World Councils and General Assembly. FIA bodies retain complete authority to democratically elect their officeholders.

Other FIA roles with term limits include the president of the anti-doping committee and the head of the F1 cost-cap committee. The existing three-term cap was instituted by Ben Sulayem's predecessor, Jean Todt, who succeeded Max Mosley, who held the FIA presidency from 1993 until he chose not to run again following a dispute with F1 teams in 2009.

When asked why the decision was made to eliminate term limits universally for all positions rather than imposing them on those roles that do not have them currently, an FIA spokesperson could not provide a specific answer. However, the spokesperson cited the NFL in the United States, mentioning that Roger Goodell has served as commissioner since 2006, transforming the sport into a global brand with an exemplary governance record.

Last year, Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), declined the opportunity to extend his tenure beyond 12 years, which would have necessitated a change in statutes. He stated, "our organisation is best served with a change in leadership; new times are calling for new leaders."

Tim Mayer, who was prevented from challenging Ben Sulayem for the FIA presidency because of the election rules last year, commented: "Term limits are not a bureaucratic detail. They are a fundamental safeguard of good governance, recognised as essential to preventing the concentration of power, ensuring renewal of leadership, and maintaining accountability to those an organisation exists to serve."

Mayer also highlighted Bach's position, asserting that the IOC treated this as a core governance principle. Two additional proposed changes would tighten the rules for FIA presidential candidates; one new requirement mandates candidates to "demonstrate sufficient experience within an FIA member or an FIA body," while the deadline for candidates to submit their list of supporting vice-presidents has been extended from 49 days to 100 days before the election date. These changes would make it more challenging for a contender to oppose Ben Sulayem in future elections.

The push for indefinite presidential terms follows a period of controversy concerning Ben Sulayem and FIA governance. Mayer and two others were barred from running against Ben Sulayem due to a requirement that candidates submit a list of their prospective vice-presidents selected from each of the FIA's six global regions. Last year’s list featured only one candidate from South America, Brazilian Fabiana Ecclestone, who was a member of Ben Sulayem's team, thus preventing any other candidates from naming a vice-president from that region. Laura Villars, a prospective presidential candidate, is currently suing the FIA in the French courts to challenge its election process.