FIA VOTES TO END PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMITS FOR MOHAMMED BEN SULAYEM

The FIA, Formula 1's governing body, has approved the removal of term limits for its president following a vote by member clubs at its general assembly in Macau on Thursday. According to sources, the proposal passed by a majority of 90.71%. The move was put forward by current FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and permits him to serve beyond the existing 12-year restriction of three four-year terms.

Sources with knowledge of Ben Sulayem's plans indicate he intends to seek removal of the current age restriction of 70 for FIA presidential candidates, with the goal of serving as president for life. The FIA justified the decision by stating it would "establish a consistent approach to tenure across all FIA bodies, similar to what currently exists for the world councils and the senate". Other FIA roles that previously had term limits, including the president of the anti-doping committee and the head of the F1 cost-cap committee, have also been affected by this change. The FIA cited the example of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has held his position since 2006, as evidence of successful long-term leadership.

The three-term limit had been established under Ben Sulayem's predecessor, Jean Todt. The decision contrasts with the International Olympic Committee's approach; in 2024, then-IOC president Thomas Bach declined an opportunity to extend his tenure beyond 12 years, stating that "our organisation is best served with a change in leadership; new times are calling for new leaders".