Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been elected as the new President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) as the successor to long-time Jean Todt.
His appointment as head of the motorsport umbrella association, which is also committed to road safety, comes just five days after the extremely controversial end of the 2021 Formula 1 season.
the 60 years old won 61.6% of the FIA General Assembly vote today, defeating Brit Graham Stoker, who served as FIA Vice President Sport under Todt. Stoker received 36.6% of the vote.
Ben Sulayem becomes the first non-European president of the motorsport umbrella organization. Born in Dubai, he is a 14-time rally champion in the Middle East and was previously Vice President for Mobility and Tourism at the FIA. Since 2006 he has been chairman of the United Arab Emirates Motorsport Federation.
Under his election pledges for his four-year tenure, Ben Sulayem vowed to double motorsport participation, introduce best-practice governance structures, and strengthen diversity and inclusion.
His nominated team includes Fabiana Ecclestone, wife of ex-Formula 1 boss Bernie and former marketing director for the Brazilian Grand Prix to represent South America; and the Scottish Robert Reid, Richard Burns’ world champion co-driver, as a candidate for vice president of sport.
On Twitter he said: “I am really honored to be elected President of the FIA. Thank you all. The trust you place in me and the team fills me with humility and we pledge to govern in the interests of all members. “
In the official FIA statement, he added: “I congratulate Graham on his campaign and commitment to the association. On behalf of the FIA and its members, I would like to express my infinite thanks to Jean Todt for everything that has been achieved over the past 12 years. I am committed to continuing the important work and promoting motorsport and mobility. “
Ben Sulayem’s candidacy was supported by Motorsport UK, which governs the sport in this country. Chairman David Richards said, “Motorsport UK and the Royal Automobile Club have conducted an extensive consultation process to properly assess the manifestos of both candidates, Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Graham Stoker.
“Our decision to support Mohammed was made based on the belief that motorsport is facing a challenging time that will require significant innovation and adaptation. To be successful, it took a dynamic and resourceful leadership that is accountable to its members. “
