Crisis talks
Frenchman Jean Todt (74) reaches the end of the final of three terms as FIA President in December 2021, not least because the former world champion rally co-driver and record-setting team boss of Peugeot (rally, Sportscar and Raid) and Ferrari (Formula 1) will have served the maximum number of permitted mandates allowed by the body, and be beyond the under-75 age limit prescribed by FIA statutes.
Generally considered the pre-eminent motorsport manager of his generation, arguably of all time, his CV boasts eight constructor F1 World Championships, a WSC title, two Le Mans victories, two WRC crowns and four and two Dakar and Pikes Peak wins respectively.
Consider that this 25-year roll call is sandwiched by a successful WRC career and three FIA presidential mandates, and the extent of Todt’s achievements in motorsport are clear.
Hands on
This career, combined with his (seconded) role as UN Special Envoy for Road Safety uniquely equips him to comment incisively on global motorsport – from safety and technical matters, through driver and human factors to governance issues and political wrangles – through the prism of participation, combined with a variety of hands-on leadership roles.
As is his wont, Todt’s pending departure from FIA office was meticulously planned. The incoming 2021 F1 and WEC regulations would have been in place for a year before his exit, enabling any issues to be resolved prior to handover to his successor, whoever that may be. The election process lies in the gift of the FIA’s global membership, and Todt will not be drawn on a preferred successor, even if he has one.
However, Covid-19 has complicated such plans, given that in the wake of the pathogen’s decimation of the sport, Formula 1 has elected to delay introduction of its ‘new from his home office outside Chartres, south west of Paris, is would he consider remaining in office for an extra year?
