FIA considers removing presidential term limits as Ben Sulayem eyes extended stay

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is proposing changes to the federation’s statutes that would remove the current term limits for senior FIA positions, including the presidency.

The proposal is set to be discussed and voted on at next month’s FIA General Assembly and is expected to receive approval from members, according to BBC Sport.

Under the existing rules, an FIA president can serve a maximum of three four-year terms. The regulation was introduced during Jean Todt’s presidency following the long tenure of Max Mosley, who led the governing body from 1993 to 2009.

If the changes are approved, the current 12-year limit would disappear, opening the door for future presidents — including Ben Sulayem — to remain in office for longer.

An FIA spokesperson said the proposal is aimed at creating a more consistent structure across the organisation.

“A proposal has been put forward to establish a consistent approach to tenure across all FIA bodies, similar to what currently exists for the World Councils and the Senate,” the spokesperson told BBC Sport.

Other major FIA positions currently affected by term limits include the president of the anti-doping committee and the head of Formula 1’s cost-cap committee.

Ben Sulayem was re-elected unopposed as FIA president in December 2025 and is currently serving his second term. However, the proposed rule change is unrelated to last year’s election and would instead affect the long-term structure of FIA leadership.

The proposal is expected to generate debate within the motorsport community, particularly as Ben Sulayem’s presidency has already attracted criticism over governance, transparency and several controversial FIA decisions in recent years.