Mohammed ben Sulayem elected FIA President

Friday 17 December 2021

Mohammed ben Sulayem has been elected President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, (FIA) following the Annual General Assembly of the world governing body in Paris, France.

Motorsport UK expressed its support for ben Sulayem’s ‘FIA for Members’ candidate team on 3 December 2021, and welcomes the election of Tim Shearman as Deputy President for Mobility and Great Britain’s former World Rally Champion, Robert Reid, as Deputy President for Sport.

Ben Sulayem received 61.62% of the votes from FIA Member Clubs to Great Britain’s Graham Stoker’s 36.62% and abstentions were 1.76%, and will therefore succeed Frenchman Jean Todt, who was President since 2009 and served the maximum three terms possible.

David Richards, Chair of Motorsport UK, commented, “The election of Mohammed ben Sulayem, Tim Shearman and Robert Reid to the highest leadership positions within motorsport and mobility is a sign of trust in their manifesto, ‘FIA for Members’, and their vision for the sport.

“Motorsport UK and the Royal Automobile Club undertook a significant consultation process to properly assess the manifestos of both candidates, Mohammed ben Sulayem and Graham Stoker.

“Our decision to support Mohammed was formed on the belief that motorsport is faced with a challenging period where significant innovation and adaptation will be required. To be successful, a dynamic and imaginative leadership was required, and one that holds itself accountable to its members.

“We were encouraged by the way they carried themselves transparently in the lead up to the elections and look forward to working closely with the new leadership team at the FIA to ensure a sustainable future for our sport.”

Mohammed ben Sulayem replaces Jean Todt as President who had served in position since 2009.

Paying tribute to Jean Todt’s contribution, David Richards concluded, “We commend Jean for the extraordinary work he has delivered during his tenure at the FIA. Jean had a unique skillset and unstinting work commitment as President and led proactively from the front. Motorsport UK thanks Jean for his outstanding contribution and the significant legacy he leaves at the FIA and throughout all forms of motorsport.”