Latest News: Carlos Sainz Sr. Suddenly withdraws from the race for the presidency of the FIA and reveals the truth about how Max Verstappen is suppressed by this organization
In an unexpected turn, Carlos Sainz Sr., the legendary rally driver and father of Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr., has announced that he withdraws as a candidate for the presidency of the International Automobile Federation (FIA). This announcement, which was distributed late last night via social media, left the Formula 1 world in shock. Even more striking was Sainz’s frank explanation in which he accused the FIA of systematic suppressing world champion Max Verstappen, a statement that focuses on the controversial effect of the motorsport federation.
Sainz Sr., who was seen for a long time as a strong candidate to succeed the current FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, announced his decision through an official statement. He stated that after a careful consideration he had decided to withdraw his candidacy, because he no longer believes that the FIA in its current form is responsible for the interests of the sport and her drivers in an honest way. His withdrawal comes at a time when the Formula 1 community is already struggling with growing tensions between drivers, teams and the FIA, in particular on issues such as regulations, punishment and the transparency of the organization.
The former rally champion focused his criticism primarily on the treatment of Max Verstappen, the triple world champion, which, according to Sainz, is disproportionately tackled by the FIA. He pointed to recent incidents where Verstappen was punished for relatively small violations, such as his language use during press conferences or his driving style in races. Sainz stated that these penalties are not only inconsistent, but also seem to be used to limit Verstappen in his dominance on the track. He called the Fia’s approach “a personal vendetta” that damages the integrity of the sport and robs the fans of fair competition.
Sainz’s accusations resonate with a growing sentiment among fans and analysts that the FIA does not immediately apply its rules to all drivers. Verstappen, known for its pronounced character and uncompromising driving style, often seems to be the target of controversial decisions. An example that Sainz cited was the punishment that Verstappen received during the Grand Prix of Austria in 2024, where he was accused of causing a collision, despite doubtful evidence. These incidents have led to a broader discussion about whether the FIA abused its power to favor certain drivers or teams.
The timing of Sainz’s announcement is remarkable, since the election for the FIA presidency is getting closer. Ben Sulayem, whose term of office was accompanied by controversies, including accusations of unethical behavior and lack of transparency, is under increasing pressure to implement reforms. Sainz’s withdrawal is seen by many as a sign that he is not willing to participate in a system that he believes is fundamentally inadequate. His decision can also encourage other potential candidates to reconsider their position, which may lead to a broader shift within the FIA.
Although Sainz Sr. No specific details about his plans for the future, he emphasized that he will continue to work for motor sport, but in a way that remains loyal to his principles. He called on the FIA to revise her priorities and to focus on promoting honest competition instead of pursuing personal agendas. His words have already led to heated discussions on social media, where fans of Verstappen and other drivers express their frustrations about the current state of Formula 1.
For Max Verstappen himself, the support of a figure such as Sainz Sr. An important boost. The Dutchman, known for his direct communication, has already criticized the FIA in the past, but has so far tried to keep the focus on his performance. With the support of Sainz and the growing dissatisfaction among fans, the pressure on the FIA to implement reforms can only increase.
While Formula 1 is preparing for the next races of the season, the future of the FIA remains uncertain. Sainz’s withdrawal and its powerful statements have the spotlights aimed at the internal problems of the organization. Whether this will lead to real change within the FIA, or whether it is only a new episode in a continuous Saga, will become clear in the coming months. What is certain is that the motorsport community watches closely.
