'Ben Sulayem proposing radical changes to the FIA in order for stricter control'

Ben Sulayem holds his presidential role until the end of the year, with elections for the position taking place in December.

There have been rumours that Carlos Sainz Sr. is considering running for this position, with several key figures in motorsport approaching him to run against Ben Sulayem.

But, according to the BBC, the current FIA president is doing everything to potentially prevent candidates from running in the election.

The British cooperation claims to have seen a confidential document with proposed changes on behalf of the president of the motorsport federation. In these documents, Ben Sulayem would have proposed measures that seem to further extend his control, with these being voted on during a FIA General Assembly meeting next month.

One of the revelations would "bring forward the deadline for candidates for December's presidential election", which would give Ben Sulayem the "possibility to bar any candidate from running against him".

Along with that, one of the most controversial proposals is that there "must not be anything in the record of the candidates standing for the election as members of the presidential list that calls into question their professional integrity".

Currently, according to the document, a regulation like this is missing from the statutes and internal regulations of the FIA.

Ben Sulayem would also like to implement another amendment related to the appointment of members of the senate, which consists of sixteen members, twelve of whom are defined as representatives of the president, his team, and members of the two world councils for sport, mobility, and tourism.

The last four are currently nominated by the president and confirmed by the other twelve members of the senate. However, Ben Sulayem would have proposed appointing members without the consent of the other senate members.

The reason for this proposal would be to 'have more flexibility in having the expertise needed for the many and varied subjects it must deal with that may require an urgent decision.'

Finally, Ben Sulayem would also propose changes to advance the registration of candidates. Currently, candidates may register up to 21 days before the elections. The FIA president would like this to be advanced to 49 days beforehand, meaning it would give potential candidates less time to consider.