The FIA has approved a series of significant governance reforms that could reshape the future leadership of the motorsport governing body. Among the most notable changes are the removal of presidential term limits and the introduction of stricter eligibility requirements for anyone wishing to run for the FIA presidency.
FIA removes presidential term limits
During its latest General Assembly in Monaco, the FIA approved several important amendments to its statutes, with many of the changes aimed at the federation’s long-term governance. One of the most significant decisions was the removal of term limits for its governing bodies, including the office of FIA President.
The change means current FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem will now be eligible to seek a third term in office should he choose to do so.
The FIA explained that the proposal, submitted by Ben Sulayem and approved by an overwhelming majority, was designed to align the federation’s statutes with those governing the World Councils and the Senate, neither of which previously imposed term limits.
“The FIA Statutes have been updated to introduce a consistent approach to term limits across all FIA bodies, bringing them into line with the World Councils and the Senate, where no such limits previously existed. The proposed amendments were approved by the required qualified majority during the Extraordinary General Assemblies. FIA bodies nevertheless retain full authority to democratically elect the office holders they believe are best suited to their respective positions,” the federation stated.
Stricter eligibility requirements for future presidential candidates
Another key aspect of this week’s General Assembly was the revision of the eligibility criteria for presidential candidates. The move follows discussions that emerged after several of Ben Sulayem’s rivals in previous elections entered the race despite having limited backgrounds in motorsport.
The revised rules will make it considerably more difficult for future challengers to stand for the FIA presidency. Anyone wishing to run for the federation’s highest office will now be required to demonstrate substantial experience within an FIA member organisation or one of the federation’s governing bodies.
“The eligibility criteria for the FIA President have been strengthened and are now more closely aligned with the existing eligibility requirements for the other candidates on the Presidential List. The Nominations Committee has also been renamed the ‘Eligibility Assessment Committee’ to better reflect its responsibilities,” the official statement reads.
In theory, the amended statutes would allow an incumbent president to remain in office indefinitely through successive re-elections, unless removed from office or prevented from standing again after reaching the maximum age limit of 70 before an election.
Ben Sulayem, who is currently 64 years old, was re-elected unopposed at the end of 2025 for a second four-year term. He would therefore still be eligible to seek a third mandate in 2029. However, he would reach the FIA’s age limit during a potential third term, preventing him from pursuing a fourth unless that rule is also amended at a future General Assembly.
“The decisions approved today by our members reflect the continued progress we are making together as a federation,” Ben Sulayem commented. “Through stronger governance, financial discipline and a clear long-term vision, we are building an FIA that is better equipped to support our members, strengthen our championships and deliver results for motorsport and mobility around the world.”
FIA reports strong financial growth
Alongside the governance reforms, the FIA also revealed its financial results for the 2025 fiscal year. The federation recorded an operating profit of €6.7 million, representing a 43% year-on-year increase and a remarkable turnaround from the €24 million operating loss reported in 2021.
Operating revenue reached €191.7 million, marking a 75% increase compared with the 2021 financial year and highlighting the federation’s continued financial recovery.
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