Advertisement

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem Gains Strong Backing for Second Term Amid Financial Turnaround

Advertisement

Mohammed Ben Sulayem

In a powerful show of confidence, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), has secured overwhelming support from motorsport federations across the Americas as he seeks re-election for a second four-year term.

The Emirati motorsport icon, who announced his candidacy earlier this month, received formal endorsements from an impressive coalition of 36 automotive clubs spanning North and South America. Regional vice-presidents joined forces to praise his transformative leadership since taking office in December 2021.

Financial documents reveal how Ben Sulayem engineered what supporters call "the great FIA turnaround," rescuing the governing body from what was described as "catastrophic" economic conditions inherited from predecessor Jean Todt's administration.

"We are all acutely aware of the dire financial situation you confronted upon taking office," stated the joint endorsement letter. "Your immediate strategic interventions not only stabilized our organization but positioned it for unprecedented growth."

The letter highlights how Ben Sulayem's administration simultaneously implemented professional management systems while achieving financial recovery - a dual accomplishment praised as "extraordinary" given the compressed timeline.

Club presidents particularly noted the president's hands-on engagement style: "We've personally experienced your team's member-focused approach that values every federation equally - this inclusive philosophy has fundamentally changed our relationship with headquarters."

Beyond fiscal management, supporters emphasized how the former rally champion (with fourteen Middle East championship titles) has elevated FIA's global profile in both competitive motorsports and automotive innovation sectors.

"The strength and reputation of our federation have demonstrably grown under your guidance," continued the endorsement. "You've successfully repositioned FIA as thought leaders across mobility solutions while maintaining our competitive edge."Touched by this continental show of support, Ben Sulayem reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots development programs like Affordable Cross Car and Global Karting Plan - initiatives designed to democratize access to motorsports worldwide."My vision extends beyond balance sheets," said the president. "We're empowering regional development through mobility expertise while leading critical conversations about sustainable transportation ecosystems." He added: "Together we're building an FIA that inspires pride across all levels."While no formal challengers have emerged, rumors suggest potential opposition from Carlos Sainz Sr., former World Rally Champion. When questioned about possible competition by Reuters, Ben Sulayem responded with characteristic sportsmanship: "Let him stand. That is democracy."

look ad Watch AD Unlock More

Advertisement

Hot News
Godolphin's Global Charge: Cualificar Leads UAE Stable's European & US Classic Assault
Godolphin's Global Charge: Cualificar Leads UAE Stable's European & US Classic Assault
The racing world witnessed the opening salvo of Godolphin's international campaign this June as their blue-blooded contender Cualificar delivered a thrilling performance in Sunday's Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly, signaling the start of a fortnight packed with elite-level action for UAE-connected stables. Under the masterful guidance of legendary trainer André Fabre, this Lope de Vega colt demonstrated remarkable grit in the French Derby, pushing eventual winner Camille Pissarro to the
Sports
Sports
From Cargo to Clubhouse: How DP World is Teeing Up a Brighter Future for Young Golfers
From Cargo to Clubhouse: How DP World is Teeing Up a Brighter Future for Young Golfers
What happens when global logistics meets grassroots golf development? DP World's innovative Clubhouse initiative is creating exciting new pathways for young athletes by giving retired shipping containers an extraordinary second life. The Dubai-based logistics giant, known for moving millions of containers annually, has launched a groundbreaking program that transforms these steel boxes into fully equipped mobile golf training centers. These custom-designed spaces provide everything aspiring youn
Sports
Sports
India's Shubman Gill calls it 'destiny' after shock T20 World Cup snub
India's Shubman Gill calls it 'destiny' after shock T20 World Cup snub
Test and ODI skipper Shubman Gill on Saturday said he respected the Indian selectors' shock decision to drop him from the squad for the T20 World Cup on home soil, calling it "destiny".The 26-year-old will lead the one-day team in three matches against New Zealand starting Sunday in Vadodara before many of India's players head into a five-match T20 series.Indian selectors surprisingly axed the batsman from the T20 squad after he scored only 291 runs in his past 15 matches in the game's shortest
Sports
Sports
Martinelli's hat-trick helps Arsenal rally to beat Portsmouth in FA Cup
Martinelli's hat-trick helps Arsenal rally to beat Portsmouth in FA Cup
Gabriel Martinelli scored his first hat-trick for Arsenal as the Premier League leaders beat second-tier strugglers Portsmouth 4-1 to reach the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.Record 14-time Cup winners Arsenal fell behind in the third minute when Colby Bishop raised the decibel level at Fratton Park by firing in a rebound after a save by Kepa Arrizabalaga.They were only behind for five minutes, though, as Arsenal levelled with their first of three goals from corners.Portsmouth were unable to deal
Sports
Sports
Royal Ascot 2026: UAE's Elite Stable Godolphin Poised for Historic Campaign at Racing's Crown Jewel
Royal Ascot 2026: UAE's Elite Stable Godolphin Poised for Historic Campaign at Racing's Crown Jewel
The hallowed turf of Royal Ascot prepares to welcome its most illustrious visitors as the 2026 edition of the world's most prestigious racing festival kicks off on June 17th. For over three centuries, this Berkshire spectacle has represented the perfect marriage of timeless tradition and elite athletic competition - and this year witnesses one of the most formidable UAE contingents ever assembled.
Sports
Sports
UAE's Chess Prodigy Rouda AlSerkal Shines in Norway Chess Open Debut with Stunning Comeback
UAE's Chess Prodigy Rouda AlSerkal Shines in Norway Chess Open Debut with Stunning Comeback
At just 15 years old, UAE's chess sensation Rouda AlSerkal proved that resilience and talent can turn early setbacks into triumphant victories as she concluded her first Norway Chess Open campaign with an unforgettable winning streak in Stavanger.
Sports
Sports
Alcaraz Defies Odds in Epic French Open Final to Dethrone Sinner and Claim Clay Crown
Alcaraz Defies Odds in Epic French Open Final to Dethrone Sinner and Claim Clay Crown
In a breathtaking display of resilience, Carlos Alcaraz staged an extraordinary comeback to defeat world number one Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(10-2) in Sunday's French Open final - a five-set masterpiece that will be remembered as one of Roland Garros' greatest championship battles.
Sports
Sports
UAE Junior Badminton Stars Shine Bright with Historic Medal Haul at Spanish International U19
UAE Junior Badminton Stars Shine Bright with Historic Medal Haul at Spanish International U19
The UAE Junior Badminton Team has made history with an extraordinary performance at the Spanish International U19 Championship in Alicante, capturing gold and silver medals in both men's and women's singles while outshining traditional badminton giants like Thailand, Denmark, and Germany. This stunning achievement not only placed the UAE at the summit of the overall medal standings but also announced the arrival of a new generation of badminton talent on the international stage. In a tournament
Sports
Sports
Comment

Advertisement

Bradley Valentine Triumphs in Thrilling OMA Emirates Medalford Showdown at Jumeirah Golf Estates
In an electrifying display of skill and determination, Bradley Valentine emerged victorious at the prestigious June edition of the OMA Emirates Medalford held on Saturday, 7th June 2026. The golfing maestro delivered a masterclass performance with a stunning five-under-par net 67 on Jumeirah Golf Estates' renowned Fire course, securing his win through a dramatic back-nine countback against a competitive field of 84 elite players.
Bradley Valentine Triumphs in Thrilling OMA Emirates Medalford Showdown at Jumeirah Golf Estates
Pogacar Dominates Criterium du Dauphine, Sets Sights on Tour de France Glory
Slovenian cycling sensation Tadej Pogacar has sent shockwaves through the peloton with a commanding victory at the 77th Criterium du Dauphine, cementing his status as the man to beat at next month's Tour de France.
Pogacar Dominates Criterium du Dauphine, Sets Sights on Tour de France Glory
Inter Milan's Mehdi Taremi Stuck in Iran Due to Airspace Closure, Set to Miss Club World Cup
Inter Milan's star forward Mehdi Taremi finds himself unable to return to his club after getting caught in travel disruptions caused by recent developments in the Middle East. According to a club insider who spoke with Reuters, the Iranian international has been unable to secure a flight out of his home country following the temporary closure of Iranian airspace. The travel restrictions came into effect after regional tensions escalated last Friday, affecting all commercial air traffic. This une
Inter Milan's Mehdi Taremi Stuck in Iran Due to Airspace Closure, Set to Miss Club World Cup
Al Ain's Khalid Al Hashimi Cuts Short Honeymoon for Club World Cup Duty Against Juventus
In a remarkable display of dedication, Al Ain FC's defensive stalwart Khalid Al Hashimi returned to his club's US training camp merely five days after tying the knot, as the UAE champions gear up for their FIFA Club World Cup opener against Italian powerhouse Juventus on June 19.
Al Ain's Khalid Al Hashimi Cuts Short Honeymoon for Club World Cup Duty Against Juventus