Emirati former rally driver and one of the Arab world’s leading motor sport figures Mohammed bin Sulayem has been elected to succeed Jean Todt as president of the FIA, with the former Ferrari boss left at the end of his third term in office.
Ben Sulayem was born in the United Arab Emirates and enjoyed a long rally career in the Middle East. He is a 14-time FIA Middle East Rally Champion, winning over 60 international events spanning over a career from 1983 to 2002. He received 62 per cent of the vote from the FIA General Assembly which consists of 245 member clubs and organisations.
Ben Sulayem won against Britain’s Graham Stoker, while Jean Todt was not up for re-election after serving the maximum three terms since taking over from Max Mosley over a decade ago. According to the Italian media, Jean Todt could return to Scuderia Ferrari in a potential consultancy role next season, similar to the one held by Niki Lauda at Mercedes before his death.
The 60-year-old becomes the first non-European to hold the role of FIA president.
A tweet from Ben Sulayem read: “The votes are in and we’ve won! We are thrilled that 62% of all clubs have given us their vote. We are truly humbled. The support from you will help us build a stronger federation.”
As part of his election campaign, Ben Sulayem focused on 3 pledges: Double motorsport participation worldwide; Strengthen diversity and inclusion; Be a leading opinion-former on sustainable mobility.
Fabiana Ecclestone – the wife of former Formula 1 supremo Bernie – will be Ben Sulayem’s vice-president for sport in South America.
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