Formula 1 News

Mosley: “I will not be a candidate in October” 

"Jean Todt, the right person to head the FIA"

FIA President Max Mosley has confirmed through a letter sent to all FIA member clubs that he will not seek re-election next October.

“From a personal point of view it would be very difficult for me to change my mind and stand again. I began some months ago to rearrange my family life with effect from next October,” wrote Mosley.

“I also informed senior FIA staff that I would not be a candidate. To continue now would greatly complicate my domestic arrangements and be inconsistent with my obligations to my family, particularly after our recent loss. Also, I have felt for some time that I would like to work less. After all, I will be 70 next year,” he continued.

“Therefore, with these new arrangements in place, extremely grateful though I am for all the letters, emails and messages I have received, I have decided to reconfirm my decision. I will not be a candidate in October”, he said.

In the same letter, Mosley has indicated former Ferrari executive director Jean Todt, as ‘the right person to head the FIA’.

“Jean is unquestionably the outstanding motor sport manager of his generation and arguably of any generation,” wrote the Briton. “He has also been CEO of a successful car manufacturer. He thus has experience in charge of a large and complex organisation, something which is an essential qualification for any future president of the FIA.”

“If he agrees to stand, I think he would be the ideal person to continue but also to extend the work of the past 16 years. He can be relied on in all areas where the FIA is active. I very much hope you will give him your support.”