Internal shake-up at the FIA: Mohammed Ben Sulayem replaces another senior figure ahead of elections. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem continues his internal reshuffle with the unexpected departure of Ben Cussons.

The President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Mohammed Ben Sulayem, continues his internal restructuring campaign, which has already led to several high-profile changes within the organization. Now, another key figure has stepped down just months ahead of the upcoming FIA presidential elections.

Following the recent withdrawal of Carlos Sainz Sr from consideration for a future leadership role within the FIA, the latest departure concerns Ben Cussons. Cussons, who served as Vice President of the Royal Automobile Club and has been a member of the FIA Senate for the past three and a half years, has now officially left his position.

Ben Cussons will be replaced by Anar Alakbarov, a well-known ally and supporter of Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Alakbarov is expected to play a significant role in bolstering Mohammed Sulayem’s influence in the lead-up to the next election cycle.

Cussons Speaks Out Following His Departure
In a statement given to the BBC, Ben Cussons expressed surprise and disappointment over how his removal was handled.

“I received a message from the president informing me that he was about to appoint my successor. I was not given any explanation or timeline,” Cussons told the BBC. “This came as a real surprise to me, especially since both I and David Richards had supported Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the last elections. I wrote to him seeking clarification, but I have not received any reply. I strongly believe in transparency, and for that reason, I expect an answer from the FIA,” he concluded.

Rule Changes Grant More Power to the FIA President
This development follows a recent change in FIA regulations that now allows the President of the organization to unilaterally replace the four so-called “independent and qualified” members of the FIA Senate. Previously, any such replacement required the approval of the remaining twelve Senate members.

The FIA justified the rule change by claiming it was necessary to ensure greater flexibility in appointing individuals with expertise relevant to the topics being addressed by the Senate. This shift in internal governance structure is being closely watched within the motorsport world, as it potentially signals a centralization of power ahead of key strategic decisions.