Ben Sulayem plans to scrap FIA age limits in proposal to General Assembly

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is planning to remove age limits for the governing body’s office holders, with a proposal to be put forward for approval at next month’s General Assembly in Shanghai, BBC Sport reports.

The FIA statutes currently prevent anyone over 75 from standing as part of a presidential team. The plan comes six months after term limits for leadership posts across the organisation were removed.

The proposal, seen by the BBC, argues that age limits could reduce the pool of qualified candidates, including people whose experience and expertise could benefit the FIA. Age limits for leaders are not universal among sports governing bodies. Critics say the move is the latest step in an effort by Ben Sulayem to ensure he can remain president for life.

In 2023, during Ben Sulayem’s first term, the FIA introduced an age limit of 70. He said at the time that the measure would “enhance governance and accountability within the organisation”. The limit was raised to 75 in 2024. The FIA had not responded to a request for comment on the change of stance.

The BBC says the original limit was a tactic to prevent Motorsport UK boss David Richards from challenging Ben Sulayem at the 2025 presidential election.

Ben Sulayem was first elected in 2021 and re-elected unopposed in December 2025 after FIA statutes prevented other candidates from standing. Three would-be challengers were blocked, including former racing driver Laura Villars, who is challenging the electoral process in legal action against Ben Sulayem and the FIA in France.