The proposal goes before December’s FIA General Assembly in Shanghai, six months after members voted to remove limits on how long a president can serve.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has proposed removing age limits for office holders at motorsport’s world governing body, according to BBC Sport.
The proposal, which BBC Sport has seen, will be put to the FIA General Assembly in Shanghai in December. The statutes currently bar anyone over 75 from standing as part of a presidential team.
The document argues age limits “could restrict the number of qualified candidates eligible for election”, particularly people whose experience and expertise could benefit the FIA.
An FIA spokesperson told BBC Sport the change would bring the organisation in line with bodies such as the BBC, whose chairman is 74. The spokesperson said it would only take effect if the General Assembly voted in favour.
“An age limit excludes candidates solely on the basis of their date of birth, regardless of their experience, expertise, or ability to contribute,” the spokesperson said.
FIA reversal on 2023 rule
Ben Sulayem, 65, brought in an age limit himself. The FIA General Assembly lowered the maximum age for members of a presidential team from 75 to 70 in 2023, during his first term. He said at the time the change would “enhance governance and accountability within the organisation”.
The 2023 rule was designed to stop Motorsport UK Chairman David Richards from challenging Ben Sulayem at the 2025 presidential election.
The age limit proposal follows a vote in June to remove presidential term limits. Delegates at the FIA’s Extraordinary General Assemblies in Macau scrapped the cap of three four-year terms, which Ben Sulayem’s predecessor, Jean Todt, had introduced. More than 90% voted in favour.
Critics say the latest change is intended to let Ben Sulayem remain President for life.
Ben Sulayem was first elected in December 2021, before being re-elected unopposed in December 2025 after election rules blocked three would-be challengers, including former racing driver Laura Villars and former steward Tim Mayer. Villars is pursuing legal action in France against Ben Sulayem and the FIA over the electoral process.
Governance record under scrutiny
BBC Sport reported several senior officials who questioned parts of Ben Sulayem’s leadership have been removed during his presidency. They include former CEO Natalie Robyn, who raised concerns about governance.
They also include Bertrand Badré, the former World Bank Managing Director who chaired the FIA audit committee. The compliance officer who investigated Ben Sulayem over alleged interference in two Formula 1 matters, and cleared him, was also dismissed.
Robert Reid, the FIA’s former Deputy President for Sport, resigned in April 2025. He cited “a fundamental breakdown in governance standards” within the organisation.
The European Parliament passed a resolution in October 2025 stating that the autonomy of sport is conditional on good governance, and calling for checks and balances in sports bodies. An EU consultation on the issue, launched in April 2026, is due to report by the end of this year.
Ukraine seeks Russian suspension
The Shanghai assembly will also consider a request from the Automobile Federation of Ukraine (FAU). The FAU wants alleged breaches of the FIA statutes and International Sporting Code by the Russian Automobile Federation (RAF) added to the agenda.
The RAF has opened regional branches in four cities in territory the United Nations recognises as part of Ukraine. The FAU wants the RAF’s FIA membership suspended until it closes all its offices in Ukraine and stops all activity there. The FAU said the FIA’s court of appeal had not responded to an earlier request to look into the matter.
“Our proposal is fully consistent with the position of the International Olympic Committee regarding the conditions for the participation of Russian athletes in competitions,” FAU president Oleksander Feldman said.
