Ben Sulayem's proposal goes through: FIA removes term limits for President

As this website previously reported, a vote on removing term limits was proposed at the FIA's General Assembly. As GPblog understood to be the case, the vote went through.

BBC Sport reported that the FIA passed the change by a majority of 90.71% that allows unlimited terms for the President of the motorsport federation, that is currently Ben Sulayem.

Beforehand, a term as FIA president lasted four years. Under the current statutes, a president may serve a maximum of three terms, totaling twelve years. That has now been changed.

In a press release regarding every change approved by the federation today, Ben Sulayem said: "The decisions approved by our Members here today reflect the continued progress we are making together as a Federation. Through stronger governance, financial discipline and a clear long-term vision, we are building an FIA that is better equipped to support our Members, strengthen our championships, and deliver for motorsport and mobility worldwide.

In this website's previous reporting, it was mentioned that a candidate may be no older than 69 at the time of the election in order to serve a full term. GPblog previously wrote that there will likely be a second, separate vote on whether all current restrictions for the sitting president can be lifted, which would also concern the removal of the age limit.

If that also goes through, on paper, Ben Sulayem could remain president for as long as he wishes and is elected; potentially serving a fourth term and being elected in his seventies or beyond.

The Emirati was re-elected FIA President at the end of 2025 after succeeding Jean Todt in 2021. He was already eligible to run for a third term, since he would be 69 years old at the time of that election.

It’s understandable that Ben Sulayem would propose the changes this year. After all, the Emirati is currently popular with many federations and FIA members, which helps him secure a majority. It’s not a given that, for example, in two or three years, he would be able to push through such proposals as easily.

At the time, GPblog has requested comment from two FIA spokespersons, but the motorsport federation has yet to respond.