James Vowles: Why Carlos Sainz Sr Is Perfect FIA President

James Vowles, the team principal of Williams, recently spoke out about Carlos Sainz Sr. as a potential FIA president, describing him as a “good fit” for the role. Sainz Sr., a two-time World Rally Champion, has a long history in motorsport, not only through his own achievements but also as the father of Ferrari Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr.

The possibility of Sainz Sr. running for the presidency comes amid speculation that the current FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, may not serve a second term when his mandate expires in 2025.

Sainz Sr. is regarded as one of the legends of rally driving, having claimed the World Rally Championship title in 1990 and 1992. Over his career, he racked up 26 rally wins and 97 podiums, making him one of the most successful figures in rally history.

In recent years, he has also won the Dakar Rally three times, compiling victories in 2010, 2018, and 2020. His decades-spanning motorsport background is seen as a major reason why figures like Vowles believe he would be an able leader for the FIA, which governs a wide range of series, including Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship.

The FIA presidency is an important position, involving leadership on regulatory, safety, and sporting matters for global motorsport. Ben Sulayem, who took office in December 2021, has faced several challenges during his tenure, including technical regulation changes in Formula 1, ongoing debates over cost caps, and the increased focus on sustainability.

Vowles’s comments about Sainz Sr. come at a time when the governing body could benefit from a leader with both on-track and off-track experience.

Carlos Sainz Sr. has publicly expressed his continued passion for motorsport governance, and several members of the paddock regard him as someone with the right blend of credibility, experience, and authority. The last drivers to hold high FIA offices were Jean Todt, who served as president from 2009 to 2021, and Max Mosley before him.

Both had extensive backgrounds in racing and team management, which helped bridge the gap between competitors and regulators. Sainz Sr.’s understanding of the pressures facing drivers, teams, and organizers could support ongoing improvements in safety, fairness, and the global reach of the sport.

While no official campaign has begun, talk of Sainz Sr. as a candidate gathered pace after he attended several recent Formula 1 races, sparking conversations with team leaders and past FIA officials. According to various sources, the FIA election scheduled for late 2025 could see new candidates stepping forward from diverse motorsport backgrounds.

Sainz Sr. has not yet confirmed his intent to run, but the support of current figures like Vowles suggests strong momentum.

As Formula 1 looks forward to new engine rules in 2026 and shifts in commercial structure, leadership at the FIA will play a direct role in how teams, drivers, and fans experience the sport. The possibility of Carlos Sainz Sr. entering the race for president signals interest from stakeholders in combining historic knowledge with a modern approach to management.

With more than 40 years of experience in rally and endurance racing, Sainz Sr. would bring a fresh yet seasoned perspective to the FIA should he decide to stand for election. His long career is reminiscent of the kind of dedication seen in other motorsport disciplines, such as fuel racing, demonstrating the varied expertise valuable to motorsport leadership. For more on his rally achievements, you can explore his profile on the World Rally Championship’s official site.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.