FIA

Mohammed Ben Sulayem Elected FIA President

PARIS — Mohammed Ben Sulayem will succeed Jean Todt as president of the FIA following his majority vote win over Graham Stoker at Friday’s FIA Annual General Assembly.

Ben Sulayem, who will be the first non-European to work the position in the four-year term, earned 62 percent of the vote.

The 60-year-old was effective with his “FIA for Members” campaign, committing to strengthened diversity and inclusion while leading sustainable mobility.

“I am very honored to have been elected FIA president at the conclusion of the Annual General Assembly in Paris today,” Ben Sulayem said. 

“I thank all the Member Clubs for their esteem and trust. I congratulate Graham for his campaign and his engagement to the Federation. I wish to express my infinite gratitude in the name of the FIA and that of its members to Jean Todt for all that has been achieved over the past 12 years. 

“I am committed to pursuing the important work and make motorsports and mobility take further steps forward.”

Carmelo Sanz de Barros has been appointed president of the senate, while Robert Reid will serve as deputy president for sport and Tim Shearman as deputy president for mobility.

Ben Sulayem is a former rally driver, boasting a résumé that includes 14 FIA Middle East Rally championships and 61 international event wins from 1983 to 2002. 

Stoker, meanwhile, served as Todt’s deputy president for sport.

“A chapter has come to an end,” Todt said. “We can be collectively satisfied of our achievements in motorsports and safe and sustainable mobility over the past 12 years. I would like to warmly thank my team, our administration and all our Member Clubs for their unwavering commitment, enthusiasm and resilience. 

“I congratulate Mohammed on his election as FIA president and wish him, his team, and the Federation the best of success for the years to come.”