FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is moving to eliminate the age limit of 75 for office holders within motorsport’s governing body, marking another significant structural change to the organization’s leadership rules.
The proposal will be put to a vote at the FIA General Assembly in Shanghai, representing the next major decision point for the international motorsport federation. The move follows previous alterations Ben Sulayem has implemented regarding term limits within the organization.
The initiative has generated controversy within motorsport circles, with observers raising concerns that removing the age cap could enable Ben Sulayem to potentially remain as FIA president indefinitely. The shift reflects ongoing debates about leadership continuity and succession planning at the highest levels of motorsport governance.
International Alignment Arguments
FAU president Oleksander Feldman has voiced support for the governance changes, framing them within a broader international context. “Our proposal is fully consistent with the position of the International Olympic Committee regarding the conditions for the participation of Russian athletes in competitions,” Feldman stated, attempting to position the FIA’s moves as aligned with established Olympic governance principles.
Structural Evolution at the FIA
The proposed removal of the age limit represents part of a larger pattern of constitutional modifications under Ben Sulayem’s presidency. These changes to the FIA’s governance structure have reshaped how the organization manages its internal leadership and succession procedures.
The Shanghai General Assembly will serve as the decisive forum where FIA member representatives determine whether to formally adopt this age-limit elimination. With the vote approaching, the motorsport community awaits clarity on whether the federation will proceed with this significant governance restructuring.