In an extraordinary escalation of the brewing power struggle within the FIA, reports have emerged that current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has issued a stunning ultimatum demanding that rally legend Sébastien Loeb be stripped of his FIA Legend title. This drastic move is said to be a direct response to Loeb’s recent and very public endorsement of Carlos Sainz SR as a potential candidate to challenge Ben Sulayem in the upcoming FIA presidential election.
Sources within the FIA suggest that Ben Sulayem views Loeb’s vocal support for Sainz SR as a direct affront to his authority and a deliberate attempt to undermine his re-election bid. The request to revoke Loeb’s prestigious Legend title, an honor bestowed upon the sport’s most iconic figures, is seen by many as a heavy-handed and unprecedented act of retaliation. The move has reportedly provoked considerable anger and disbelief within the motorsport community, with many rallying behind Loeb and criticizing Ben Sulayem’s perceived vindictiveness.
The ultimatum to strip Loeb of his Legend title, if carried out, would be a highly symbolic and controversial decision, potentially further damaging Ben Sulayem’s already strained relationship with prominent figures in motorsport. Loeb’s immense popularity and intact legacy in rallying make him a powerful voice, and attempts to silence or punish him for expressing his political views could backfire significantly on the current FIA president. The situation highlights the intense pressure and high stakes surrounding the upcoming FIA elections.
The motorsport world is now waiting with bated breath to see how this extraordinary power play unfolds. Whether Ben Sulayem will follow through with his request and what the consequences will be for the FIA’s standing within the global motorsport community remain uncertain. However, this unprecedented decision against a beloved legend like Sébastien Loeb has undoubtedly heightened the drama surrounding the FIA’s leadership race and further fueled calls for a change at the helm.
