The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, the global governing body for auto racing that oversees Formula 1, voted Thursday to remove term limits on its presidency and other senior positions during an extraordinary general assembly held in Macao. The change clears a potential path for current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to remain in office beyond what had been his maximum allowed three four-year terms.
Ben Sulayem, a former rally driver from the United Arab Emirates, was elected FIA president in 2021 and won re-election unopposed in December for what had been his second term. Would-be competitors in that election said restrictive rules prevented them from appearing on the ballot. The organization confirmed the removal of term limits applies to all FIA bodies, not just the presidency.
The vote reverses a governance structure implemented after an acrimonious end to Ben Sulayem's predecessor Max Mosley's 16-year tenure in 2009, which followed conflicts with Formula 1 teams. Jean Todt then served the maximum 12 years allowed under those rules before Ben Sulayem's election. An age limit of 70 remains for presidential candidates; Ben Sulayem will be 68 at the next scheduled elections in 2029 and has not announced whether he intends to seek additional terms.
What the Right Is Saying
Supporters of the change argue that experienced leadership provides stability during a period of rapid technological transformation in auto racing, including the transition to hybrid engines and discussions around future fuel regulations. FIA officials pointed to recent financial performance as evidence of effective management under Ben Sulayem's direction, noting an operating profit of 6.7 million euros ($7.62 million) for 2025 that they described as "the strongest set of financial results in a decade."
Organization loyalists contend that term limits can artificially disrupt long-term strategic planning and that members should have the freedom to choose their leaders without arbitrary restrictions. Some motorsport analysts suggest the change reflects a broader trend among international sports bodies that prioritize continuity in governance during periods of industry transformation.
What the Left Is Saying
Critics of the decision argue that removing term limits concentrates too much power in a single leader, reducing accountability within the organization. Transparency advocates contend that fixed leadership terms exist specifically to prevent the kind of extended dominance seen during previous FIA administrations. Some former Formula 1 team principals have privately expressed concern that diminished electoral competition could reduce the governing body's responsiveness to stakeholder concerns.
The removal comes amid ongoing tensions between Ben Sulayem and some Formula 1 drivers over regulatory decisions, as well as reports of high staff turnover within the organization since his election. Governance experts who study international sports federations note that term limits serve as a check against entrenchment and are considered best practice for organizations with significant economic influence over global motorsport.
What the Numbers Show
The FIA reported 6.7 million euros ($7.62 million) in operating profit for 2025, representing what the organization called its strongest financial performance in ten years. Ben Sulayem's presidency began in December 2021 following Mosley's departure after a 16-year tenure and Todt's subsequent 12-year term. Had the original three-term limit remained in effect, Ben Sulayem would have been ineligible to seek re-election after 2033 at age 72, given the age cap of 70 for candidates. The next scheduled FIA presidential election is set for 2029.
Formula 1 generates approximately $2 billion annually in revenue, with the FIA overseeing technical regulations, safety standards, and sporting governance for the series. The organization's membership spans more than 140 national automobile clubs across six continents.
The Bottom Line
The removal of term limits marks a significant shift in FIA governance structure and could allow Ben Sulayem to serve indefinitely if he maintains member support. The change will likely face continued scrutiny from teams, drivers, and transparency advocates who view the vote as concentrating power without adequate checks. Whether additional modifications follow—including potential changes to the age limit—will depend on internal deliberations within the organization. Observers should watch for statements from national automobile clubs and Formula 1 stakeholders in the coming weeks regarding their positions on the governance change.