Carlos Sainz, rally legend and father of the current Formula 1 driver for Williams, has confirmed he is considering running for the presidency of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in the elections to be held in December. The possibility of leaving rallying to take on a leadership role marks a shift in his career of more than four decades, with the intention of contributing to motorsport from a different angle. Although his candidacy has not yet been formalized, the Madrid native already has the backing of key figures in the motor world and has shared his vision for a more approachable, empathetic, and transparent FIA.
Alongside this reflection on his future, Sainz remains active in competition, preparing for upcoming World Rally-Raid Championship events and working on the technical development of his car. He hasn’t ruled out participating in the next Dakar, which could mark his final race before moving into leadership. His potential team could include Malcom Wilson as sporting vice-president, a highly respected figure in the rally scene. “I want to give back to the sport everything it has given me,” said the three-time Dakar winner.
A new chapter and a challenging context for the FIA
If his candidacy goes ahead, Carlos Sainz would face not only the challenge of leading the world’s top motorsport body but also a Formula 1 landscape facing a revenue decline. According to Liberty Media, the premier motorsport series generated $403 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2025, 27% less than during the same period in the previous year. Net income was a negative $28 million, compared to a $136 million profit in 2024. This drop is partly due to one fewer race being held this year.
In this scenario, the idea of a more empathetic FIA toward drivers, teams, and organizers becomes even more relevant. Sainz proposes a management style that prioritizes dialogue and technical knowledge drawn from on-track experience, with leadership rooted in active listening and a commitment to the sustainable development of motorsport. Although the path to the presidency is still unfolding, his presence generates attention for combining sporting prestige, a forward-looking vision, and a clear desire to transform the institution from within.
