### Mohammed Ben Sulayem's Unopposed Re-Election: A Controversial Continuation of Leadership Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been re-elected as the president of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) for a second four-year term, a position he has held since 2021. His re-election, which took place on December 12, 2025, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, was marked by controversy as he faced no challengers due to allegations that election rules unfairly barred potential rivals from participating. This situation has raised questions about the democratic integrity of the FIA's electoral process, with ongoing legal disputes expected to challenge the election's legitimacy. Ben Sulayem's leadership has been characterized by significant reforms and controversies, including a notable financial turnaround for the FIA during his first term [https://www.ad-hoc-news.de/news/marktberichte/mohammed-ben-sulayem-re-elected-as-president-of-the-fia/68419606, https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fia-president-mohammed-ben-sulayem-112437776.html]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Election Overview** - Ben Sulayem was re-elected unopposed, with no other candidates on the ballot due to eligibility issues. - The election was held during the FIA's General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 2. **Controversies Surrounding the Election** - Allegations from potential candidates that they were unfairly excluded from the election process. - Legal challenges are anticipated, with a court case set to examine the electoral process. 3. **Ben Sulayem's Leadership and Achievements** - His first term saw a significant financial recovery for the FIA, turning a deficit into a profit. - He has faced criticism for governance issues and controversial decisions regarding driver conduct. 4. **Future Implications** - The outcome of ongoing legal disputes may impact the legitimacy of his presidency. - Ben Sulayem's plans for the FIA during his second term remain to be seen, especially in light of the controversies. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Election Results**: Ben Sulayem was the sole candidate, as potential rivals were deemed ineligible due to FIA rules requiring candidates to appoint vice-presidents from all global regions [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/fia-election-mohammed-ben-sulayem-36391126]. - **Financial Performance**: Under Ben Sulayem's leadership, the FIA improved its financial standing from a €24 million deficit in 2021 to a €4.7 million profit in 2024 [https://24newshd.tv/12-Dec-2025/mohammed-ben-sulayem-re-elected-unopposed-contentious-fia-election]. - **Legal Challenges**: A court in Paris has agreed to hear a case regarding the election process, with a hearing scheduled for February 16, 2026 [https://www.autoracing1.com/pl/468120/fia-news-ben-sulayem-re-elected-defends-fia-election-process]. ### Conclusion: A Complex Landscape Ahead for FIA Leadership **In summary**, Mohammed Ben Sulayem's re-election as FIA president, while unopposed, is shrouded in controversy and legal challenges that could affect the future of his leadership. 1. **Election Context**: His unopposed status raises questions about the fairness of the electoral process. 2. **Controversies**: Legal disputes are set to challenge the legitimacy of the election, with potential implications for governance. 3. **Achievements**: Despite controversies, Ben Sulayem has overseen a financial turnaround for the FIA. 4. **Future Outlook**: The upcoming court hearings will be crucial in determining the stability of his presidency and the direction of the FIA moving forward [https://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2025-12/67221151-federation-internationale-de-l-automobile-fia-mohammed-ben-sulayem-re-elected-as-president-of-the-fia-004.htm, https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mohammed-ben-sulayem-wins-second-term-fia-president-in-one-person-election].