Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr has dismissed suggestions there would be a conflict of interest if his father were to become president of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l`Automobile).
Former World Rally champion Carlos Sainz Sr recently confirmed he is considering running in December`s election, which would mean challenging the current president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Questions have been put to both the father and son regarding whether Carlos Sr holding the top position at motorsport`s governing body while Carlos Jr is an active participant in Formula 1, one of the categories the FIA oversees, would create a conflict of interest.
Speaking ahead of this weekend`s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Sainz Jr explained: “Very simply because my dad and me, we would part ways. He would not be my manager anymore.”
“I`m a 30-year-old Formula 1 driver that also has his manager, my cousin. We would just simply stop,” he added.“Whoever knows my dad or knows me personally, knows we would never do anything that would mean conflict of interest.”
Widespread Encouragement from the Paddock
Sainz Jr was keen to emphasise that his father had been encouraged by `a lot of people in the paddock` to consider running for the role.
“First of all, it`s a possibility, it`s not that he`s going to present himself for sure, or he`s going to become a candidate. He`s just considering it,” Sainz Jr said.“To be honest, it also didn`t come much from him. It came from a lot of people in the paddock suggesting it to him and putting the idea in his head, and he started considering it.”
“He`s going to obviously evaluate his options, his candidature and his possibilities. I can only say from being his son and being obviously a big fan of his, I think he fits the profile very well.”
“I think no one understands motorsport better than my dad across so many ranges, from rallying, to go-karting – because he came with me to all the go-kart races – to all the single-seater ladder, to Formula 1 now.”
“He has quite a broad experience of everything, including mobility with everything that he does in Spain.”
“He definitely fits the profile but it`s going to be up to him whether he thinks he`s fit to consider to be a candidate or not.”
Other Drivers Weigh In
Several of F1`s leading drivers were also asked about Sainz Sr`s potential candidacy at Imola on Thursday.
George Russell commented: “Carlos Sr, he`s a great guy. He`s got so much knowledge of motorsport… It could be something good.”
World champion Max Verstappen added: “I think Carlos Sr, he`s a very well-respected person in the paddock here but also for his achievements in rally.”
“A lot of people would support that. Naturally, people will say, `ah, but he`s conflicted with his son in Formula 1.` But, to be honest, I think Carlos Sr is very professional and he can definitely put that aside. I don`t think we need to worry about that, if that`s a problem for someone.”
