Carlos Sainz Sr has admitted it would be no small task to defeat Mohammed Ben Sulayem in this year's FIA presidential election.
The 63-year-old Spanish rally legend, whose son Carlos Jr races for Williams in Formula 1, is regarded as the most likely challenger to the current FIA president in December.
"I'm considering it," Sainz said in Barcelona. "I'm exploring what it would mean to be FIA president. It's a highly respected institution, and there are many people encouraging me, although I'm currently only considering it."
Recent reports suggested Ben Sulayem – also 63 – may be adjusting FIA statutes to make it more difficult for challengers like Sainz to assemble a full leadership team. But in Monaco, the FIA boss dismissed that speculation.
"Let him (Sainz) stand. That is democracy," Ben Sulayem insisted.
Also adding weight to the incumbent's position is a newly circulated letter, reportedly written by FIA vice president for sport in South America, Fabiana Ecclestone – the wife of Bernie Ecclestone.
The letter praises Ben Sulayem's "extraordinary" efforts and is said to carry signatures from 36 FIA-affiliated clubs across the Americas.
"We understand that four years is a short time to complete the ambitious reforms you have initiated," the letter reportedly reads, according to Arab News.
"Therefore, we strongly encourage you to seek re-election at the upcoming AGA so that you may continue the important work you have started, with our full support."
In such a political environment, Sainz acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead.
"It's not easy," he said.
"Because the current president is running for re-election, and things are always better handled from within. In any case, I haven't said yes or no yet."
When asked whether he could remain active in motorsport – such as continuing to compete in the Dakar Rally – while serving as FIA president, Sainz was realistic.
"I don't think so," he said. "It's one thing to compete in next year's Dakar, which would be understandable since the elections are in December and the rally is in January, but not after that.
"If it goes ahead, I would have to stop competing in the future. But I can't say much else because I'm working on it. I don't have the team around me yet either. I have someone I'd like to support me, but now is not the time to say any more."
