BREAKING: FIA removes presidential term limits after Macau vote
FIA clears path for longer presidential mandates
The FIA has abolished term limits for its president, removing the previous restriction that capped the governing bodyâs leadership at three four-year terms. The change was confirmed after a General Assembly meeting in Macau, held ahead of this weekendâs Austrian Grand Prix.
Under the former statutes, an FIA president could serve no more than 12 years in office. That limit was reached by Jean Todt, who stepped down in 2021 before being succeeded by Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The latest vote now changes the long-term political landscape of the federation, giving any incumbent president the possibility of standing again beyond what had previously been the final permitted term.
Ben Sulayem was re-elected in 2025 after facing no opposition, securing another four-year mandate before the next election in 2029. Until this amendment, that contest had been expected to mark the final point at which he could seek the presidency. That restriction has now been removed.
The governance decision lands during a busy period for the FIA, with the governing body also recently active on Formula 1âs regulatory framework, including the 2026 F1 regulation tweaks and first issue of 2027 rules.
Member clubs approve statute changes
The rule change was passed on Thursday following a vote by FIA member clubs. It formed part of a wider set of amendments to the federationâs statutes, though the removal of the presidential term cap is the most politically significant element.
Ben Sulayem framed the outcome as part of a broader effort to strengthen the FIAâs structure and long-term direction.
âThe decisions approved by our Members here today reflect the continued progress we are making together as a Federation,â he said.
âThrough stronger governance, financial discipline and a clear long-term vision, we are building an FIA that is better equipped to support our Members, strengthen our championships, and deliver for motorsport and mobility worldwide.â
Ben Sulayem points to long-term vision
The FIA president also emphasised collaboration across the organisationâs global membership, presenting the approved changes as the product of collective work rather than a standalone constitutional shift.
âThese outcomes are the result of collaboration across our global community,â he added.
âAs we look ahead, we remain focused on creating new opportunities, increasing participation, advancing innovation, and ensuring the FIA continues to grow as a strong, sustainable and trusted federation for the future.â
The immediate effect is clear: the presidency is no longer bound by a fixed maximum tenure. For the FIA, that represents a major governance reset ahead of the next scheduled election cycle.
Simone Scanu
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.