Wilson nominated by Ben Sulayem as next FIA deputy

Rally legend Malcolm Wilson has been nominated by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to be the next deputy president for sport.

Ben Sulayem is required to nominate a replacement for Robert Reid, after the former deputy president for sport resigned earlier this month, citing a “governance crisis” at the FIA. Reid -- a former World Rally Championship (WRC) winning co-driver -- had been a long-term ally of Ben Sulayem’s having been in position since 2021, but was highly critical of the direction the governing body was taking upon his departure.

“My resignation is not about personalities; it is about principles,” Reid said. “Motorsport deserves leadership that is accountable, transparent, and member-driven. I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that does not reflect those values.”

Ben Sulayem has now nominated Wilson to take over the position, retaining a strong rallying link as the Briton drove in the WRC for nearly two decades and went on to establish the M-Sport operation that is responsible for Ford’s WRC program. Wilson was awarded an OBE for services to motorsport in 2009.

“I am delighted to nominate Malcolm Wilson OBE for the role of FIA deputy president for sport,” Ben Sulayem said. “Malcolm has had a distinguished career in global motorsport. For over 40 years he has competed at the highest level both as a driver and technical partner to teams. This experience will be invaluable to the FIA and our member clubs as we continue to grow grassroots and professional motorsport, driving innovation in the sport to benefit fans, drivers and teams.”

FIA Members will vote on the nomination of 69-year-old Wilson at the Extraordinary General Assemblies and Conference that takes place in Macau in June.

“Having started my career in motorsport in the 1970s as a driver and then technical partner to teams, it is a great honor to be nominated for the role of FIA deputy president for sport,” Wilson said. “The FIA has played a central role in my career, and I very much look forward to supporting the president and all the FIA family in its important mission. There has never been a more exciting time to be in motorsport, and I know first-hand the benefits the sport brings to families and communities across the world.

“I look forward to working with the president for the duration of his current term of office, bringing our sport to new audiences and ensuring we deliver the very best championships for all our competitors.”