Apr.17 (GMM) Another candidate has emerged as a potential rival for controversial FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the forthcoming elections.
Earlier, amid obvious unrest and high-profile departures at Formula 1’s governing body, it was rumoured that Susie Wolff may take on the incumbent.
Her husband, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, only offered a half-hearted denial. “Not that I know of,” he insisted when asked if his wife was considering a run.
Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko, however, insisted that Susie as FIA president is “impossible” while her husband runs and co-owns an actual F1 team.
Still, Ben Sulayem is now a highly unpopular FIA president. In Bahrain alone – the 63-year-old’s first appearance at a grand prix so far in 2025 – two notable incidents were captured on camera.
In one, Lewis Hamilton ignored the Emirati’s offer of a hug, while the cameras also captured the moment on the grid when Luca di Montezemolo – his first appearance at a race in a decade – gave Ben Sulayem a blatant ‘thumbs down’ right to his face.
“If I interpret that hand signal correctly, it didn’t seem very friendly,” Finnish commentator Ossi Oikarinen said on Viaplay.
“It seems that things are pretty tense at the FIA at the moment. I don’t think everything we are hearing are just rumours.”
Indeed, former F1 team boss and current Motorsport UK chair David Richards was declined entrance at the World Motor Sport Council meeting in February for declining to sign a confidentiality agreement.
As recently as just a few days ago, Richards continued to slam the Ben Sulayem regime, saying the governance processes are “becoming ever more opaque and concentrating power in the hands of the president alone”.
Rumours are now beginning to emerge that the Briton could run for FIA president late this year.
“World Motor Sport Council meetings are usually confidential,” former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland, “so I don’t think that incident was just about that.
“There have been a lot of changes in the FIA,” the German added. “I don’t know if it’s a cultural battle – are they really trying to break through outdated structures, or is Richards exaggerating?
“Hopefully it will all be cleared up soon,” Schumacher said. “There is an election coming up and I know David Richards is a popular candidate. Ben Sulayem probably wanted to get rid of him so he wouldn’t have to fight him for the seat.”
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a fan favorite on the F1 calendar. The city comes alive for race week packed with energy, events, and unforgettable nightlife. This year, the action shifts to Memorial Day weekend (late May), part of F1’s new, eco-friendly schedule. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the atmosphere where motorsport meets Montreal magic. Book your spot now this one sells out fast!
SHOW PACKAGES