FIA removes limits on presidential terms and tightens eligibility criteria

The FIA’s members have voted through a proposal to remove limits on the term a president can govern for, opening the door for Mohammed Ben Sulayem to remain in the position for more than 12 years.

The previous 12-year limit – the total of three four-year terms – was introduced by previous president Jean Todt, and applied to a number of bodies within the FIA. At the Extraordinary General Assemblies in Macau, the members voted to remove that stipulation, meaning that Ben Sulayem – who is currently in his second term – can continue to run.

As it stands, Ben Sulayem (pictured middle left, above, with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali), can only serve one more term due to another point in the FIA Statutes that says a president – along with a number of other senior members – must be under 70 years of age at the time of an election or re-election. Ben Sulayem would be 68 at the time of the next election, although the BBC reports he is also keen to remove that restriction.

As well as the term limits being removed, the FIA says the eligibility criteria for the president “have been strengthened and are more in line with the existing eligibility criteria for the other candidates on the Presidential List.”

Ben Sulayem became president at the end of 2021, taking over from Todt who had served since 2009. As part of the FIA’s latest annual report and accounts, motorsport’s governing body has reported an operating profit of 6.7 million euros ($7.6m) for the 2025 financial year, an increase of 43% on the prior year.

“The decisions approved by our members here today reflect the continued progress we are making together as a federation,” Ben Sulayem said. “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 for motorsport and mobility worldwide.

“These outcomes are the result of collaboration across our global community. As we look ahead, we remain focused on creating new opportunities, increasing participation, advancing innovation, and ensuring the FIA continues to grow as a strong, sustainable and trusted federation for the future.”