Red Flag For Ben Sulayem! FIA Faces Legal Heat Over 'Rigged' Re-election Of President

Last Updated:October 29, 2025, 16:49 IST

Laura Villars is challenging the FIA’s election rules in court, alleging they block competition and favor incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem ahead of the December 12 presidential vote.

Incumbent FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem (X)

Swiss racing driver Laura Villars has launched legal action against motorsport’s global governing body, the FIA, claiming its upcoming presidential election has been designed to keep challengers off the track, literally.

In a court filing seen by AFP, Villars asked a Paris judge to suspend the FIA’s December 12 presidential election until the rules are reviewed. The hearing is set for November 10, just weeks before the vote that could see incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem re-elected unopposed.

How MBS is rigging the FIA elections

Villars is questioning the “structured" election system that, in her view, leaves zero room for competition.

To even enter the race, candidates must present a complete slate of vice presidents representing every FIA region worldwide.

But here’s the problem: that pool of potential vice presidents is limited to just 29 names on the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) list.

And some of those regions barely have any options.

“In South America, only one person stood for the WMSC — Brazil’s Fabiana Ecclestone, who happens to be on Ben Sulayem’s team. In Africa, only two names are listed, both of whom are also aligned with the incumbent," said Mark Mayer, son of former McLaren boss Teddy Mayer, and Villars’ legal adviser.

“The result is simple: no one but the incumbent can run under this FIA system."

Mayer went further, questioning whether national clubs had been “persuaded, pressured, or promised something not to stand," effectively locking out any opposition.

The FIA, for its part, insists everything is above board. It defended the election process as “structured and democratic," adding that all potential candidates had been aware of the requirements and had from June 13 to submit their teams.

What’s at Stake

The FIA presidency isn’t just a ceremonial title. It’s the centre of global motorsport, overseeing Formula 1, Formula E, and World Rally.

If the court sides with Villars, it could delay the December election and force reforms that open up future contests. But if her claim is dismissed, Ben Sulayem may cruise to another uncontested term — keeping the FIA firmly under his control, and critics firmly in the rear-view mirror.

(with AFP inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

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News sports Red Flag For Ben Sulayem! FIA Faces Legal Heat Over 'Rigged' Re-election Of President

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