Ben Sulayem Re-Elected as FIA President Amid Legal Cloud

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been officially re-elected as President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), securing a second four-year term at the helm of world motorsport following a general assembly vote in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The 64-year-old Emirati, a former rally driver and incumbent president since 2021, stood unopposed in this year’s election after potential challengers were unable to meet the FIA’s candidacy requirements – notably the rule that presidential candidates must nominate vice-presidents representing all six global regions.

In a statement, Ben Sulayem thanked FIA member clubs for their support and pledged to continue his work across motorsport and mobility sectors worldwide. Under his leadership, the FIA has undertaken significant reform, improving governance structures, operational stability, and financial performance.

Despite the unopposed outcome, the election has drawn scrutiny: Swiss driver Laura Villars has launched a legal challenge to the process in French courts, with an initial hearing scheduled for February 16, 2026, meaning the result could yet face further review.