FIA Removes Presidential Term Limit After Member Vote

The FIA has officially abolished the presidential term limit following approval at its General Assembly in Macau ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. The change removes the restriction on how long the head of motorsport's governing body can remain in office.

Under the previous regulations, an FIA president could serve a maximum of three four-year terms. That limit was reached by Jean Todt, who stepped down in 2021 before being succeeded by Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Ben Sulayem was re-elected in 2025 without opposition, securing another four-year term through to the next election in 2029. Before the latest rule change, that term had been expected to be his final possible mandate as FIA president.

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The removal of the limit was approved through a vote of FIA member clubs on Thursday. It formed part of a wider package of changes to the federation's statutes, which the FIA says are aimed at strengthening governance.

"The decisions approved by our Members here today reflect the continued progress we are making together as a Federation."

"Through 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."

The change means Ben Sulayem will now be eligible to stand again in the 2029 election. It marks one of the most significant governance decisions taken by the FIA in recent years, with direct implications for the long-term leadership structure of the federation.