Sainz Sr. highly confident in himself ahead of FIA presidency possibility

“There are plenty of reasons, but I have been driving for more than 40 years and this sport has given me everything,” he began.

Sainz admits that the thought of assuming the FIA presidency has been with him for some time, albeit in the background. Recent developments, however, have sharpened that idea into a real possibility.

Sainz is a two-time World Rally Champion and is still actively racing. Notably, the 63-year-old competes in the illustrious Dakar rally. He won the event in 2024 with Audi, becoming the oldest winner in the process.

One of the most notable challenges facing Sainz, should he choose to run, is the close relationship he maintains with his son, Carlos Sainz Jr., a long-standing Formula 1 driver. But the elder Sainz is unequivocal about where his responsibilities lie.

“I have my track record and people know me well enough to understand that this will not be an issue. Obviously, I will have to step down regarding my role with Carlos and his career but this is not an issue at all,” he said.

Sainz’s potential bid comes at a time when the FIA — currently led by Mohammed Ben Sulayem — has faced its share of controversies. The Spaniard, however, is clear that his motivation is not rooted in conflict or rivalry.

Ben Sulayem has served as FIA president since 2021, becoming the first non-European to hold the role. The 14-time Middle East Rally Champion has faced criticism over certain viewpoints. Perhaps the most famous is the swearing row spearheaded by the current president. These issues have nothing to do with Sainz's candidacy, he assured motorsport.com.

Co-Chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers Association George Russell, has been clear on the FIA's lack of clarity and transparency in the way it goes about matters, and has also made emphasis on the governing body's hermetic attitude towards accepting drivers' input into affairs that involve them.

Alongside recent FIA resignations and firings, something Ben Sulayem has also been pointed to as a contributing factor, it's clear that the F1 world might be open for changes at the helm of the governing body.

“I think obviously lately there has been some controversy, but I want to concentrate on myself. I leave the judgment to others,” Sainz explained.

At the heart of his potential candidacy lies a belief in building bridges and restoring faith in the FIA's role as the steward of global motorsport.

“I have been on the other side of motorsport and I know how important it is to listen to everybody - drivers, teams, fans, organizers, promoters, social, manufacturers. I truly think I can make that relationship much smoother and stronger,” he stated.