Sainz Sr. Contemplates FIA Presidency as Support Grows
Carlos Sainz Jr. has shed light on the potential candidacy of his father, two-time world rally champion Carlos Sainz Sr., for the FIA presidency. In an interview ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Sainz Jr. indicated that the notion of his father running for the role emerged from discussions within the motorsport paddock rather than from Sainz Sr. himself.
Currently evaluating his options, Sainz Sr. is reportedly gathering support from FIA member automotive clubs as he contemplates a challenge to incumbent president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “I think this idea didn’t actually come from him. A lot of people in the paddock were putting it in his head, and gradually, he started considering it,” Sainz Jr. stated.
Sainz Jr. expressed confidence in his father’s qualifications for the presidency. “He has lived through all the karting days with me… He’s done ten years in Formula 1 and 40 years in rallying,” he explained, highlighting the depth of his father’s experience in various motorsport disciplines.
Sainz Jr. noted that his father’s approach to motorsport governance would be rooted in common sense, an essential quality to navigate the intricacies of the FIA’s political landscape. “I can’t think of any scenarios where his racing career could conflict with his potential presidential ambitions,” he added, reiterating his family’s integrity.
As Sainz Sr. assesses the election landscape, Sainz Jr. remains focused on his responsibilities with Williams Racing, receiving regular updates from his father on the situation. “He’s trying to understand how the elections work and how many people he needs to talk to,” Sainz Jr. remarked, emphasizing the exploratory nature of his father’s candidacy.
The motorsport community is keenly watching this development as Sainz Sr. weighs his options for this significant leadership role within the FIA.
