In a recent development, the President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has tapped Malcolm Wilson, a figure closely associated with Ford, to take up the pivotal role of deputy president for sport at the automotive racing regulatory body. This decision follows the resignation of the previous deputy president, who stepped down in protest, citing dissatisfaction with the organization’s governance.
The FIA announced that Wilson’s nomination by Ben Sulayem would be subject to official confirmation by FIA member organizations in their upcoming June meeting. Wilson, whose M-Sport company has been at the helm of Ford’s World Rally Championship endeavors since 1997, is anticipated to bring a wealth of experience to the role. This move unfolds just as Ford is making preparations for its re-entry into Formula 1, partnering with Red Bull in their engine production efforts for the following year.
The internal structure of the FIA has faced some turbulence, notably marked by the departure of Robert Reid, who was initially elected alongside Ben Sulayem in 2021, as deputy president for sport. Reid’s resignation was underscored by his claim that the organization’s core values, particularly transparency, have not been upheld. His exit has highlighted concerns regarding the organization’s governance during Ben Sulayem’s tenure.
This period has also seen several senior officials leave or face replacement amidst Ben Sulayem’s tenure, a time characterized by his rigorous policies towards curbing inappropriate language, which have ruffled feathers among F1 drivers and other motorsport participants. With the possibility of running for a second term as FIA president this year, Ben Sulayem’s leadership continues to be a topic of considerable discussion within the motorsport community.