It was confirmed on Friday that Mohammed Ben Sulayem is going to be the next FIA President following the end of Jean Todt’s 12-year reign. He secured 62% of the vote as he defeated Graham Stoker in the race to succeed the Frenchman. 

Born in 1961 in Dubai, he won a remarkable 14 FIA Middle East Rally Championships during his time as a driver. 

Ben Sulayem has also been Vice President for Sport and Member of the World Motor Sport Council from 2008 to 2013.  

"I am very honoured to have been elected FIA President at the conclusion of the Annual General Assembly in Paris today," he 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 am committed to pursuing the important work and make motor sport and mobility take further steps forward." 

"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," added Ben Sulayem. 

I am truly honoured to be elected President of the @FiA. Thank you all so much. I am humbled by the trust you’ve placed in me and the team and we pledge to govern in the interests of all members. pic.twitter.com/9E7TiG0PyG

— Mohammed Ben Sulayem (@Ben_Sulayem) December 17, 2021

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali congratulated the Emirati man on his victory and thanked Jean Todt for his work over his three terms in office. 

“I want to personally congratulate Mohammed Ben Sulayem on his election as President of the FIA. Formula 1 and the FIA have always been determined to ensure the long-term success of our sport and I know this will continue under his new leadership. I look forward to working closely with the new President and his team as we need to maintain momentum and focus on the big issues facing the sport. I want to also applaud Graham Stoker whose commitment to motorsport has always been very strong and I am sure he will continue to work tirelessly in support of the future and growth of our sport.” 

“I also want pay a personal tribute to Jean Todt for the incredible job he has done over the past 12 years in leading our sport and the wider motorsport community and the huge efforts he has made in the areas of safety and sustainability that have had an immeasurable impact on the sport and the lives of people around the world. We will miss him, and I wish him the best for his future and the next chapter in his incredible career.”