The father of Williams driver Carlos Sainz has officially withdrawn from the race for the FIA presidency. Carlos Sainz Sr. flirted with the leadership role within the motorsport federation for a while, but announced this week that he will not be running. His son understands this decision, although he also emphasizes that it would have been a positive development for the sport if Sainz Sr. had accepted the presidency at this time.
In the run-up to the Austrian Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz was asked about his father’s candidacy. Was he disappointed that Sainz Sr. had withdrawn? “As his son, no. As a motorsport fan, yes,” he responded to the media in Spielberg. “I think many people in motorsport would have liked to see my father try, just to see what he could have meant for the sport. But as his son, I was also able to spar with him about all the responsibilities he would have if he had wanted to run. That’s why I understand that he’s letting it go and focusing on his own business.”
Never Say Never
However, Carlos Sainz does not rule out that his father may one day become FIA president. “Never say never,” he said. “Although this was the ideal time to step in, given the current situation. His candidacy could have had a positive effect right now. I don’t know if that will still be the case in four or eight years. I don’t rule it out, but at this moment he is certainly no longer interested.”
Like most drivers, Fernando Alonso hopes for change within the FIA. “It’s no secret that all drivers notice a lack of transparency within the organization and the board,” the Spaniard referred to the past term of Chairman Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “Despite the best intentions, we felt a bit excluded and our opinions were not heard.”
“There have been exceptions at times,” Sainz admitted. “But generally, we did not always get a response. We made this very clear in our statements.” The union for Formula 1 drivers made several calls to the FIA last year to act more transparently and involve the drivers in certain decision-making processes. “I only see a way forward and a path to improvement, as this year has been very frustrating,” the Spaniard concluded. “Let’s see if it gets better. Perhaps the FIA’s latest press release is already a sign of the intention to make everything clearer.” In the name of transparency, the FIA made the penalty guidelines for the stewards public ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.
