The political landscape surrounding Formula 1 and the FIA could soon undergo one of its most significant transformations in decades, with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem reportedly preparing a controversial reform designed to extend his long-term control over the governing body.
According to multiple reports, Mohammed Ben Sulayem is expected to present a proposal during the FIA General Assembly in Macau on June 26 that would fundamentally change the current rules limiting presidential mandates inside the federation.
If approved, the reform would eliminate the existing restriction that currently prevents FIA presidents from serving more than three terms in office.
At present, FIA presidents are elected for four-year mandates and cannot remain in power for more than twelve years in total. The new proposal would reportedly remove that limit entirely, leaving only an upper age cap of 70 years as the final eligibility condition for future presidents.
The potential change is already generating intense discussion across the motorsport world because of the enormous influence the FIA holds over Formula 1 regulations, governance, safety policies and long-term political direction.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem reportedly gaining strong support
Despite the controversy surrounding the proposal, Mohammed Ben Sulayem is believed to have secured considerable backing from multiple national federations, particularly smaller member organisations that have increasingly aligned themselves with the current FIA leadership.
That support could make the reform highly likely to pass if formally presented during the upcoming assembly.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem first became FIA president in 2021 following the end of Jean Todt’s long leadership era and was reelected again in 2025 with strong political support.
If the proposed changes are approved, the Emirati official could potentially remain at the head of the FIA for far longer than originally anticipated, dramatically increasing his long-term influence over Formula 1 and international motorsport governance.
Growing criticism inside Formula 1 governance
While Mohammed Ben Sulayem continues to strengthen his political position, his presidency has also generated increasing criticism and internal tension over the last two years.
Several controversial decisions have divided opinion inside the Formula 1 paddock, including stricter FIA sanctions regarding driver language and behaviour, as well as the departure of multiple senior FIA officials in recent seasons.
Critics have also raised concerns regarding transparency, governance structure and the growing concentration of political power inside the federation.
The debate has become particularly sensitive because the FIA now plays a central role in shaping Formula 1’s future technical regulations, including the ongoing discussions surrounding 2027 and 2028 power unit changes that directly affect Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull and Audi.
For Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, the FIA’s decisions increasingly impact not only sporting regulations but also the overall direction and identity of modern Formula 1.
Failed opposition campaigns strengthened Mohammed Ben Sulayem
Earlier in 2025, several figures attempted to challenge Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s leadership by promoting a more democratic and open governance model inside the FIA.
Among the names linked to opposition movements were Carlos Sainz Sr. and former Formula 1 steward Tim Mayer, both of whom reportedly supported reforms aimed at improving institutional balance and accountability.
However, Mohammed Ben Sulayem ultimately maintained a significantly stronger consensus among FIA member organisations, further consolidating his political authority. One of the most vocal critics has been Laura Villars, who unsuccessfully explored a presidential challenge before later pursuing legal action related to FIA governance rules.
Laura Villars reportedly argued that the federation’s current electoral structure makes it extremely difficult for independent candidates to realistically build competitive campaigns. One of the main criticisms involves the requirement for presidential candidates to nominate vice presidents from every continent using names selected from FIA-approved lists.
Opponents claim this system heavily restricts political alternatives and indirectly reinforces the position of the current leadership. In some regions, the available options reportedly remain extremely limited. South America, for example, is said to offer only one approved candidate: Fabiana Ecclestone, who is understood to support Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Formula 1 faces another political era of uncertainty
The timing of the proposed reform is particularly significant because Formula 1 is already entering a period of major political and technical uncertainty.
Ongoing disputes over future engine regulations, power unit philosophy and governance direction have intensified tensions between the FIA, Formula 1 teams and manufacturers in recent months.
At the same time, the growing commercial expansion of Formula 1 continues increasing the political importance of the FIA presidency itself. As a result, Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s proposed changes are no longer being viewed as a simple administrative adjustment. Instead, many inside the paddock see the move as a decision that could redefine the balance of power inside Formula 1 for the next decade.
Whether supporters view it as stability and continuity or critics see it as excessive concentration of authority, one thing appears increasingly clear: the political battle surrounding the future of Formula 1 is becoming almost as intense as the championship fight on track.
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