Carlos Sainz Sr., the two-time World Rally champion and father of Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz, has announced his decision not to run for the presidency of the FIA, the governing body of motor racing. This decision comes after initially expressing interest in the position in May.

In a detailed statement, Sainz Sr. explained, "After a thoughtful reflection, I have come to the conclusion that the present circumstances are not ideal to set the grounds for my candidacy. Furthermore, I have realized that properly running for President would notably compromise my preparation for the Dakar and I do not wish to weaken my commitment to Ford and my team."

This withdrawal leaves incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem as the sole candidate in the upcoming election. Ben Sulayem, who has been the FIA president since 2021, has faced several controversies during his tenure, including disputes with drivers over regulations and governance issues.

Sainz Sr. also expressed his ongoing commitment to the motorsport world, stating, "Despite stepping down from this race, my passion for serving and leading within the motorsport world hasn't changed and I still believe the organization needs important changes, which I remain genuinely hopeful that will be tackled in the upcoming years."

The FIA has been under scrutiny for recent statute changes that critics argue make it more challenging for new candidates to challenge the incumbent. These changes have led to internal conflicts, including the resignation of former deputy president Robert Reid, who cited a "fundamental breakdown in governance standards."

Ben Sulayem's presidency has also seen tensions between the FIA and Formula 1, particularly over the potential entry of Andretti and General Motors as an 11th team. Despite initial resistance, discussions led to General Motors' commitment to join the grid with Cadillac, aiming to produce American-made engines by the end of the decade.

As the FIA continues to navigate these challenges, the motorsport community will be watching closely to see how governance and leadership evolve in the coming years.