Jean Todt says he has not decided if he will run for a third consecutive term as FIA president.
The former Ferrari chief took over from Max Mosley in 2010, and then secured a new four-year term covering 2014-2017.
71-year-old Todt’s presidency has often been controversial, as he keeps a much lower profile than predecessor Mosley and makes decisions based on consensus.
Asked by the FIA’s own magazine Auto if he will stay beyond this year, Todt said: "I have begun to work with my team and our members to make my decision and this will allow me to announce that choice very quickly.
"Of course, with a democratic organisation I could have a competitor who beats me. But clearly it’s a goal that should be addressed in motor sport, whoever is the leader, to try to bring costs down."