Nigerian-born driver Mohammed Bin Sulayem has made history as the first Arab and African to be appointed as president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The announcement, made during the FIA’s annual general assembly in Baku, Azerbaijan, marks a significant milestone in the world of motorsport. Bin Sulayem, a former rally champion and motorsport advocate, takes over the prestigious position with a promise to advance the sport and prioritize inclusivity.
Bin Sulayem, originally from the United Arab Emirates, has a long-standing history in motorsport. As a 14-time Middle East rally champion, he has earned widespread recognition and respect within the industry. His deep involvement with motorsport administration, including his role as the vice-president of the FIA, made him a strong candidate for the presidency. His election represents a shift toward embracing more diversity and broader representation within the sport’s leadership.
In his first statement as president, Bin Sulayem expressed his commitment to making motorsport more accessible and diverse. “My goal is to ensure that motorsport grows globally and that we bring in new voices from different backgrounds. Motorsport should reflect the diversity of the world, and I am dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion,” he said. His election is seen as a turning point for the FIA, an organization traditionally dominated by European leaders.
The newly elected president has a clear vision for the future of motorsport, focusing on key areas such as safety, sustainability, and the development of young talent. Bin Sulayem has been a vocal advocate for increasing the reach of motorsport in regions like Africa and the Middle East, where the sport has grown but still faces challenges compared to its popularity in Europe and the Americas.
David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK, praised Bin Sulayem’s appointment, stating, “Mohammed has been a champion both on the track and in the boardroom. His vision for a more inclusive and globally diverse motorsport is exactly what the sport needs. His leadership will bring fresh perspectives that will undoubtedly help the FIA move forward.”
The FIA is responsible for overseeing some of the most prestigious motorsport competitions in the world, including Formula 1, the World Rally Championship (WRC), and the Formula E electric racing series. Bin Sulayem’s experience as both a competitor and administrator equips him with the knowledge needed to lead these series into a new era. His presidency is expected to bring more attention to emerging motorsport markets and amplify the voices of regions that have traditionally been underrepresented.
Experts also anticipate that Bin Sulayem will use his platform to push for more sustainability initiatives within motorsport, especially with the growing emphasis on eco-friendly racing technologies. “The future of motorsport is green, and I believe that with the right innovation, we can ensure that motorsport continues to thrive while being responsible toward the environment,” Bin Sulayem stated during his campaign for the presidency.
As the first Arab and African president of the FIA, Mohammed Bin Sulayem’s leadership marks a pivotal moment in motorsport history. His election not only reflects the changing landscape of the sport but also the growing influence of diverse voices at the highest levels of global motorsport.
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