Susie Wolff reportedly considering FIA presidency bid

Susie Wolff is reportedly considering a bid for the presidency of the FIA, potentially challenging incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem in December’s election.

If confirmed, it could mark a significant shift in motorsport leadership.

Wolff, the current managing director of the F1 Academy, has been a key advocate for increasing female participation in motorsport.

Her leadership of the all-female racing initiative, combined with her experience as a former racing driver, has positioned her as a respected figure within the sport.

A history of tensions with the FIA

Speculation about her potential candidacy follows a public clash with Ben Sulayem in 2023.

The FIA president had ordered an investigation into a possible conflict of interest involving Wolff and her husband, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

The inquiry, which examined whether confidential F1 information was shared between the couple, was met with backlash from all 10 F1 teams, who denied making any complaints to the FIA.

Wolff condemned the investigation, calling it "intimidatory and misogynistic" and later filed a criminal complaint in France.

The probe was quickly dropped, but it highlighted tensions between Wolff and the FIA leadership.

Reports from Italian publication Autosprint suggest that the FIA’s decision to launch the investigation may have been a preemptive move, signaling Ben Sulayem’s awareness of Wolff’s potential candidacy.

While she has not publicly confirmed her intention to run, speculation continues to grow as the election approaches.

A potential challenge for Ben Sulayem

Ben Sulayem, who has led the FIA since 2021, has previously stated that he welcomes electoral competition, emphasizing the importance of democracy within the organization.

He has expressed confidence in his leadership, highlighting financial improvements and governance reforms during his tenure.

If Wolff decides to enter the race, it could lead to a highly contested election, with significant implications for the future direction of the FIA. The motorsport community will be closely watching for any official announcements in the coming months.