Mohammed Ben Sulayem was today re-elected president of the FIA in Tashkent, beginning a new four-year term and continuing in the role he has held since 2021.

The former racing driver received 91.5% of the votes from FIA member clubs. He stood unopposed in the election, a situation that has drawn criticism and legal challenge.

“Thank you to all our FIA Members for voting in remarkable numbers and placing your trust in me once again,” Ben Sulayem said.

“We have overcome many obstacles but here today, together, we are stronger than ever. It is truly an honour to be FIA president, and I am committed to continuing to deliver for the FIA, for motorsport, for mobility, and for our Member Clubs in every region around the world,” re-elected president added.

Although other figures had expressed interest in running for the presidency (notably former FIA steward Tim Mayer and Swiss racing driver Laura Villars), neither was able to meet a key eligibility requirement.

Under FIA rules, each presidential candidate must present a full list of seven sport vice-presidents representing all global regions. This proved impossible due to the South American position, for which only one eligible candidate was available.

That candidate, Fabiana Ecclestone, a member of the World Motor Sport Council and wife of former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, had already confirmed she would stand exclusively on Ben Sulayem’s ticket.

Villars subsequently filed a legal challenge in a Paris court, arguing that the regional vice-president rule, when the only eligible candidate publicly supports the incumbent,  effectively prevents a fair and open election.

A final court decision on the case is expected on February 16.