Carlos Sainz Sr decides not to stand for FIA president; Sulayem set to be elected unopposed
The 63-year-old double world rally champion, four-times Dakar winner and father of the Williams Formula One driver of the same name, said in May he was considering running against the Emirati in the December election.
The decision not to go ahead will allow him to compete again in the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia with Ford next January, something he said he did not want to miss.
There is currently no other declared candidate beyond Ben Sulayem.
'Hi everyone. This message is to publicly confirm that I have finally decided not to run for the presidency of the FIA in this year's election,' Sainz said on X.
'I have worked hard these past months to understand in depth the situation at the FIA and the demands and complexities that come with such an important project,' he added.
'After a thoughtful reflection, I have come to the conclusion that the present circumstances are not ideal to set the grounds for my candidacy.'
Sainz's son is a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association and the older Spaniard has dismissed suggestions there would be a conflict of interest if he was elected FIA president.
ALSO READ | Vettel confirms 'talks' with Marko over succeeding him at Red Bull
Sainz said his desire to serve and lead remained strong and he still believed the organisation needed to make some important changes, which he hoped would happen in years to come.
Ben Sulayem, who confirmed in May that he would be standing for a second term, is a controversial figure who has had battles with teams and drivers in Formula One and rallying.
He holds a strong hand in an election where regional loyalties come into play and recent statute changes have made it harder, according to critics, for potential rivals to stand against him.
Presidential candidates are also required to stand with a slate of potential office-holders put forward for the various roles.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
6 hours ago
- Mint
Trust in Riddle: Fritz credits girlfriend after Wimbledon win sets up semifinal vs. Alcaraz
LONDON (AP) — Morgan knows best, apparently. Taylor Fritz thought the motivational note he wrote to himself after losing at Wimbledon four years ago would stay private. His girlfriend, influencer Morgan Riddle, later shared it on social media. "That note was never supposed to be public,' a smiling Fritz said after his 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4) win over Karen Khachanov set up a semifinal meeting with two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. Fritz had written to himself in the note that 'nobody in the whole world is underachieving harder than you' and urged himself to get his act together. Not only does Fritz forgive Riddle, he also credits her for having such a big impact on him rising to No. 5 in the world rankings in pursuit of his first Grand Slam title. 'There's been a pretty constant results-and-ranking rise since we've been together,' Fritz said. "I think I would have to say she's been a big help to me just kind of keeping me focused, having someone who cares and just pushes you to just do better and do the right things, be healthier. "Almost like kind of just mother me in a way," he added, chuckling to himself, 'with like, the diet and going to sleep on time.' A smiling Fritz later added: 'Yeah, that maybe wasn't the best choice of words.' The 27-year-old American, who was the runner-up at last year's U.S. Open, didn't face a break point in the first two sets against No. 17 Khachanov, who rebounded in the third set. It was 4-all in the fourth-set tiebreaker before Fritz claimed the final three points on Court No. 1. It's the first time Fritz has reached the last four at Wimbledon. He's won two grass-court titles this season — Stuttgart and Eastbourne — and was happy he wouldn't be facing Alcaraz on clay, which would be 'an absolute nightmare.' 'Grass is very much so an equalizer. It can be an equalizer. So trust in how I'm playing,' he said. 'I truly know the way that I played the first two sets today, there's not much any opponent on the other side can do.' The second-seeded Alcaraz is within sight of a Wimbledon three-peat. He extended his winning streak to 23 matches this season by beating Cameron Norrie 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 on Centre Court. Alcaraz, who has beaten Novak Djokovic in the past two finals at the All England Club, faced only five break points and saved all of them. He wants to hit some other greens, though, before he faces Fritz 'For sure I'm going to play some golf, just to switch up my mind a little bit,' Alcaraz said The 22-year-old Spaniard has been playing golf with Andy Murray during his Wimbledon run. This time, his opponent could be actor Tom Holland, whom he had run into earlier. 'I would love to play against him in the golf course. For me it would be such an honor. I will try to set it up in these two days that I will have much time to do it. So let's see if he will be available, and we'll tee it up.'
India Today
9 hours ago
- India Today
Pakistan bans 27 YouTube channels for broadcasting 'anti-state content'
In a sweeping crackdown on dissent, a court in Islamabad has ordered the blocking of 27 YouTube channels, many of which are operated by Pakistani journalists, political commentators, and activists. The order was passed by Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah on the plea of the country's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).CHANNELS INCLUDED: IMRAN KHAN, ARZOO KAZMI AMONG OTHERS According to the two-page court order, the channels involved include those run by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, journalist Arzoo Kazmi and several others who have been vocal critics of the Pakistani military and the magistrate said the court was 'satisfied with the evidence provided by FIA', which showed that the channels were allegedly spreading 'anti-state content'.YOUTUBE INCHARGE OFFICER ASKED TO BLOCK CHANNELS 'The YouTube incharge officer is directed to block 27 YouTube channels,' the order stated, while also endorsing FIA's legal authority to act in the matter. The FIA reportedly began investigating the channels on June 2, and submitted what it called 'sufficient proof' before the is the list of YouTube channels identified in the court order:The list of channels identified in the court order includes that of Haider Mehdi, Siddique Jan, Sabeeq Kazmi, Orya Maqbool Jan, Arzoo Kazmi, Rana Uzair Speaks, Sajid Gondal, Habib Akram, Matiullah Jan, Asad Toor, Imran Riaz Khan, Naya Pakistan, Sabir Shakir, Imran Khan, Aftab Iqbal, Reel Entertainment TV, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Daily Qudrat, Qadir Qadri, Chandasai Journalists, Naila Pakistani Reaction, Wajahat Saeed Khan, Ahmad Noorani, Nazar Chohan, Moeed Pirzada, Makhdoom Shahab ud Din and Shayan Ali. CHANNELS FACING TECHNICAL BLOCKS, EXILE AND THREATS In recent months, several Pakistani YouTubers have complained of shadow bans, restricted reach, or complete inaccessibility of their content within Pakistan. Some content creators have fled the country, continuing to broadcast from abroad over fears of arrest or even forced disappearances, often attributed to Pakistan's deep SAY BLOCKING NEEDS YOUTUBE'S HELPHowever, technical experts say such bans may not be fully effective unless YouTube's own management cooperates with the government to block or geofence the channels.'YouTube cannot be unilaterally blocked by a court without the platform being involved,' said a senior IT consultant, calling the move more symbolic than effective unless enforced at platform PAKISTAN BLOCKS ITS OWN VOICESThe development comes at a time when India has banned several Pakistani YouTube channels for misinformation and propaganda. Now, Pakistan is banning its own citizens' YouTube channels for allegedly pushing out anti-state content. Notably, Arzoo Kazmi's channel is now banned in both India and Pakistan. - EndsTune InMust Watch
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
F1 may bring back loud V8 engines by 2029: FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem
Image credit: Getty Images FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has suggested that Formula 1 could return to louder V8 engines by 2029. The last time V8 engines were used in F1 was back in 2013. Speaking to reporters during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, Ben Sulayem discussed the possibility of reintroducing V8s within the next four years. The V8 is happening: F1 set for roaring comeback by 2029 FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's primary motivation behind the move is to revive the thrill of the sport — both for long-time fans who miss the iconic roar of the V8s, and for a new generation eager to experience that same excitement. "To us, the V8 is happening. With the teams now, I'm very optimistic, happy about it. FOM [Formula One Management] are supportive, the teams are realising it is the right way,' Ben Sulayem said. — F1 (@F1) "We need to do it soon. You need three years, so hopefully by 2029 we have something there, but the fuel is also very expensive, and we have to be very careful with that. Transmissions are very expensive. The current engine is so complicated, you have no idea, and it is costly. R&D is reaching $200 million, and the engine is costing approximately $1.8m to $2.1m, so if we go with a straight V8, let's see," he added. With General Motors' Cadillac brand poised to join Formula 1 as the 11th team, Ben Sulayem also hinted at the possibility of a 12th team being added to the grid. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Steinfurt: Nur 700 Plätze. Werden Sie Testhörer für die neuen Hörgeräte ohne Zuzahlung. Gutes Hören Undo "The time will come when we feel it is right to open an expression of interest," he said of filling the 12th slot. But he made it clear, 'We are not here to upset other teams. It won't be just go and do it for the sake of doing it. It has to be worth it for us. The team has to add value to sustaining the business of Formula One." Also Read: British Grand Prix 2025: Lando Norris dominates home race with fourth win, Nico Hulkenberg claims maiden podium The next Formula 1 season will introduce new regulations, which are expected to benefit some teams while posing challenges for others in terms of on-track performance. For example, Adrian Newey is working on Aston Martin's 2026 F1 car which is expected to perform much better than the current one. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
