The renowned rally champion, Carlos Sainz Sr., is reportedly seriously considering running for the presidency of the FIA.
James Vowles, Williams’ boss, believes that Sainz Sr. would be a good candidate for the position of president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) if he decides to run this year.
Sainz Sr. has confirmed that he is seriously considering the possibility of running for the leadership of the governing body of motorsport, which would pit him against the current president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Vowles, who signed Sainz’s son, Carlos Jr., from Ferrari this season, believes that the two-time rally champion could easily adapt to the role.
“I think he would be a good candidate simply because he has a couple of world championships, he has extensive experience in motorsport.
James Vowles, Williams boss
Vowles, when asked if Sainz Sr. would be a good FIA president, replied: “I think he would be, because he has several world championships and extensive experience in motorsport.”
Vowles added that Sainz Sr. “understands single-seater racing and rallying. He has already been president of some mobility areas in Spain, so this is not as big a step as some might think, but it’s up to him to decide if it’s the direction he wants to take.”
Some have suggested that a candidacy could present a significant conflict of interest, given that Carlos Jr. competes in the FIA’s flagship series.
Sainz Sr. has already denied this suggestion, stating: “I have my career and people know me well enough to understand that this will not be a problem. Obviously, I will have to give up my role with Carlos and his career, but this is not a problem at all.”
Vowles, who has worked with the father and son when signing Sainz last year and during this season, is sure that there would be no problem.
“I don’t think [there’s a problem] if he’s successful, no,” said Vowles. “Carlos [Sr.] has 40 years of experience in this sport and, whenever you speak to him, if you have the opportunity, converse with him.”
Vowles continued: “He has a really logical view of how the sport is built and how it has gotten to where it is at the moment and what can help around it. What I have noticed with Carlos [Sr.] here is that he recognizes that his son is already independent and that he doesn’t really interfere in anything.”“What he really enjoys is simply watching the cars run around the track and knowing that he has been the one who has made that happen. Obviously, he has to move much further away from that if he decides to go in the direction of the FIA, but I am confident that we can isolate him enough so that I don’t think it will be a problem.”
Sainz Sr. won the World Rally Championship in 1990 and 1992.
He has also won the Dakar Rally four times, most recently in 2024.
