FIA Presidential Election Proceeds with Ben Sulayem as Sole Candidate
The FIA Presidential Election is set to proceed with Mohammed Ben Sulayem as the sole candidate. A recent ruling by the Paris judicial court dismissed a request to suspend the upcoming election, allowing the event to continue as scheduled on December 12, 2025, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Election Context and Controversy
The legal decision came after Laura Villars, a Swiss national, sought to challenge the election’s legitimacy. Villars presented her candidacy in September but failed to assemble the necessary list of vice-presidential nominees before the October 24 deadline. Each candidate needs support from representatives across all FIA regions, but Villars could only secure one nominee from South America, Fabiana Ecclestone, who is affiliated with Ben Sulayem’s team.
Legal Proceedings and Implications
- The Paris court ruled that the suspension request had no grounds.
- Villars and former FIA commissioner Timothy Mayer will each pay €7,000 due to their unsuccessful candidacies.
- A preliminary hearing to address the broader legal issues is set for February 16, 2026.
Villars’ lawyer, Robin Binsard, emphasized that the complexities surrounding the election would be heard in a future court. The judge acknowledged that more fundamental questions regarding the election’s fairness need to be examined in detail.
Future Outlook
The election on December 12, 2025, is still on track, although Villars asserted that its legitimacy could be contested in the future. As it stands, the FIA presidency will be secured by Ben Sulayem unless significant legal challenges alter the course.
