Susie Wolff smiles at the premiere for the Ferrari movie — Photo: © IMAGO

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Susie Wolff issues update on FIA president rumours

Susie Wolff was rumoured to run for FIA president

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Accredited motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Wednesday 28 May 2025 13:58

Susie Wolff has addressed speculation that she could run for FIA president, after reports linked the F1 Academy boss to the role.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem currently serves as president of Formula 1's governing body, after he was elected in 2021, but will have to stand for re-election at the end of 2025 if he wants to serve for a second term.

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Every four years, the FIA holds their presidential elections at their general assembly, which is composed of sporting authorities and automotive clubs representing the 245 member organisations across 149 countries.

The presidential election will take place at the next general assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on December 12, but Wolff will not be on the ballot after she ruled herself out as FIA president.

Speaking on The Sports Agents podcast, she ended speculation that she would run for president once and for all, despite backing from high profile F1 figures such as 1996 world champion Damon Hill.

"Well, I'm very honoured, because Damon's someone I respect massively, but no, that's not on the horizon anytime soon. For sure, I have enough on my plate," she said.

"I'm so honoured, I really am. That people do speak highly, but no, it's not something which I've considered. I can't see myself doing that right now.

"I'm also someone that's very focused on the job at hand, and I've still got a lot to achieve with F1 Academy. We've got off to a flying start, but it needs to be sustainable longer term, so focus is fully there just now, and definitely not with that role in the horizon."

Who else will stand for FIA president?

Ben Sulayem remains the only confirmed candidate for the FIA election later this year, with Carlos Sainz Sr emerging in recent weeks as a ‘potential’ candidate.

The two-time World Rally champion is understood to have widespread support from executives across motorsport’s various categories, and the Spaniard confirmed himself that he was considering running for the role.

"This possibility [of being president] has been in my mind for some time now, not very deeply, but now I think it could be the right time in my career for me to take the step. I'm confident I can do a good job and put together an excellent team to give back to the sport part of what it has given me," Sainz Sr told Autosport.

"I have accumulated a lot of experience in this sport throughout the years and I'm certain I can bring new and interesting things, to strengthen and develop the sport and the automobile world."

FIA Formula 1 Mohammed Ben Sulayem Susie Wolff