One of the biggest political developments in Formula 1 this week has been the decision to remove the FIA president’s three-term limit, handing Mohammed Ben Sulayem another significant victory as he looks to strengthen his position at the head of world motorsport.
The rule change is expected to help the 64-year-old Emirati capitalize on the strong support he enjoys among numerous national motorsport federations, potentially allowing him to remain FIA president for many more years. The only remaining obstacle is the current age limit of 70, which is still written into the FIA statutes and could become the next target for institutional reform.
Ben Sulayem’s ability to secure overwhelming backing has impressed many observers. The proposal to abolish the presidential term limit reportedly received more than 90 percent of the votes, highlighting the influence he has built within the governing body. Among those who openly admire his political success is former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone.
Bernie Ecclestone praises the FIA president
Bernie Ecclestone, now 95 years old, led Formula 1’s commercial side until 2016, when Liberty Media acquired the sport from CVC Capital Partners. That takeover marked the beginning of a new era, first under Chase Carey and later under the current Formula One Group President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali.
Relations between Formula 1’s commercial management and the FIA have not always been smooth, particularly since Mohammed Ben Sulayem succeeded Jean Todt as FIA president in 2021. Ironically, Jean Todt was unable to seek another term because of the presidential term limit that has now been removed.
Speaking to RacingNews365, Bernie Ecclestone expressed strong support for the current FIA president.
“I’m trying to think of something Mohammed Ben Sulayem has done wrong during his presidency,” Bernie Ecclestone said. “But it isn’t an easy task. I think he’s trying to make everything work fairly and keep things in step with modern times. Unfortunately, as with everything, you can’t be right 100 percent of the time on every occasion. But at the moment I don’t see anything he has done wrong or anything he shouldn’t have done, and there are one or two things I hope he can solve in the future.”
One of those issues concerns the future direction of Formula 1 engine regulations. FIA leaders have repeatedly expressed interest in returning to naturally aspirated V8 engines once the next regulatory cycle begins in 2030, or at the latest in 2031.
“I’d like to see a three-litre engine,” Bernie Ecclestone added. “I don’t mind whether it’s a V8, V10 or V12. The important thing is that everyone is happy, and I think that’s the right thing to do.”
Ecclestone also applauds Ben Sulayem’s financial management
Bernie Ecclestone also highlighted the FIA’s improving financial position, following the positive economic results recently announced after the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau.
According to the former Formula 1 boss, Mohammed Ben Sulayem inherited a difficult situation rather than creating it himself, making his achievements even more noteworthy.
“It’s a difficult job because he inherited a situation that wasn’t of his making, so it wasn’t like Liberty Media,” Ecclestone explained. “He was elected to take care of something he didn’t fully know. He didn’t know exactly what was waiting for him, and he’s discovering what should and shouldn’t be done. I think he’s done an excellent job financially because he’s bringing the FIA back to the position it should have been in a long time ago.”
Ecclestone also rejected criticism of the FIA’s stronger financial performance, insisting that generating revenue should not be viewed negatively if it benefits the organization and the wider motorsport community.
“Are they making money? Well, there’s no reason why that should be considered a crime. There’s an organization to run, and that requires funding, just like all the other initiatives he is supporting on behalf of the national federations. Mohammed Ben Sulayem isn’t taking the money for himself. He’s not there for his own financial interests, but to do the best job he can for the sport he is responsible for,” Bernie Ecclestone concluded.
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