It began with a whisper in the paddock. Then came the sideways glances in boardrooms. And now, it’s out in the open. Carlos Sainz Sr., the rally legend and father of current F1 star Carlos Sainz Jr., has dropped a political bombshell on international motorsport. After months of quiet speculation, Sainz Sr. has confirmed he considered running for FIA President—only to pivot, stunningly, by proposing that Sébastien Loeb, the most decorated rally driver of all time, take his place on a radically reshaped FIA board.

And his reason for stepping aside? To take aim at the heart of motorsport’s current leadership.

In an unfiltered, emotionally charged interview with a Spanish publication, Sainz Sr. didn’t hold back: “Now is the right time to bring new leadership. We need fresh blood, racing minds, not bureaucratic ones. And frankly, I no longer believe Mohammed Ben Sulayem represents the direction motorsport needs.”

The Rising Discontent Inside the FIA

While the FIA has publicly projected stability under Ben Sulayem’s presidency, internal dissatisfaction has been steadily building. From the handling of safety regulations to the controversial decisions on political expression, many within the sport have quietly questioned the transparency and direction of the governing body.

Carlos Sainz Sr. has long maintained close ties with multiple racing disciplines, from WRC to Dakar to Formula One. His perspective is wide-ranging—and his frustration appears to be shared by others. Recent rumors have suggested unrest among F1 teams, WRC manufacturers, and even grassroots karting federations, all disillusioned by what insiders describe as “autocratic leadership and selective listening.”

Sainz, however, is the first major figure to publicly advocate for a post-Ben Sulayem future—and his suggestion to elevate Sébastien Loeb into FIA leadership is both symbolic and strategic.

“Loeb is more than a champion,” Sainz said. “He understands the future of rally. He has the respect of drivers, the love of fans, and the clarity to lead.”

This proposal would mark a major shift in the FIA’s board structure, one that has traditionally been filled with administrators, legal advisors, and career officials—many of whom have never driven a single competitive lap.

Insiders say that the proposal is already gathering quiet momentum. At least three national motorsport federations in Europe have expressed support for greater representation from former drivers and athletes. One federation president reportedly stated, “We’ve relied on technocrats for too long. It’s time someone who understands the stakes from behind the wheel had a seat at the table.”

Why Sainz Backed Away—and Why He Chose Loeb

In the same interview, Sainz Sr. admitted he had seriously weighed a campaign to become FIA President himself and had even conducted informal consultations with key voting members from Europe and South America. According to him, the conversations were positive—but one nagging feeling persisted.

“I don’t want to sit behind a desk at this stage in my life,” he confessed. “I want to influence change, yes, but it’s time we give the future of motorsport to those who have lived it, not just talked about it.”

So he turned to Loeb.

Sébastien Loeb, a nine-time WRC champion, is often hailed as the most successful rally driver in history. His crossover appearances in DTM, Pikes Peak, and even Formula 1 test sessions have elevated his status beyond rallying. More importantly, he commands widespread respect—not just as a competitor, but as a calm, thoughtful voice in motorsport policy.

“Loeb doesn’t chase microphones. He listens, he learns, and then he acts. That’s the kind of leadership we need now more than ever,” said Sainz.

The reaction from inside the FIA has been muted, at least officially. But anonymous sources say the current administration is deeply concerned about the influence of high-profile legends like Sainz and Loeb, especially given their potential to unite disillusioned voters.

Speculation is now swirling around who else might join Loeb on a revamped FIA board if such a change takes place. Names such as Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish, and Michèle Mouton have been floated by insiders as possible additions to a new athlete-driven governance team. If such a coalition were to take shape, it could completely redefine how motorsport is regulated at every level.

Could This Really Happen? The Road to a Leadership Shakeup

Changing the FIA’s leadership structure is no small feat. The president is elected by an assembly of member clubs and federations, many of which hold deeply entrenched loyalties. But Sainz believes momentum is shifting—and he’s not alone.

Multiple independent stakeholders have begun quietly lobbying for a “transitional election” that would call Ben Sulayem’s leadership into question ahead of schedule. The trigger, they say, could be growing concerns around financial oversight, internal transparency, and the FIA’s global image.

While no official challenge has yet been filed, the pressure is mounting. And with Sainz Sr. now acting as an unofficial power broker—and Loeb being quietly prepped for a possible leadership role—motorsport politics may be on the verge of a seismic shift.

Fans across the racing world have already begun to weigh in. Social media buzz around the potential leadership shake-up has exploded. Hashtags like #LoebForFIA and #SainzSpeaksOut are trending across Twitter and Instagram, with many calling it a long-overdue changing of the guard.

One particularly viral post read, “We’ve had decades of office suits running motorsport. Time to let the drivers take the wheel.”

Meanwhile, Ben Sulayem has remained tight-lipped, issuing only a brief statement reiterating his “commitment to governance and global development.”

But the silence is telling.

The real test will come in the next General Assembly. If Loeb’s name is formally put forward, and if enough voting blocs shift behind the athlete-led vision proposed by Sainz, the FIA could be on the verge of its most transformative moment since its founding.

And with the 2025 WRC and F1 seasons heating up—both on and off the track—the motorsport world is watching more closely than ever.

Because this isn’t just about one president. It’s about who gets to shape the future of the sport. And whether those decisions are made by people in suits—or by those who’ve lived every apex and gravel jump from the cockpit.

Carlos Sainz Sr. has made his move.

Sébastien Loeb may soon follow.

Stay tuned. This story is just getting started.