Muhammad ibn Sulayem

Biography

Mohammed bin Sulayem was born on November 12, 1961, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, during a time of significant change driven by oil wealth and modernization. He went to the American University, where he developed a global perspective and business skills. His early interest in motorsport sparked a competitive spirit that shaped the beginning of his career and set the stage for his later roles in administration.

Bin Sulayem began his rally driving career in the 1980s, competing in tough desert and mountain terrains across the Middle East. Throughout his career, he won 14 Middle East Rally Championship titles, becoming the most successful rally driver in the history of the championship. His achievements drew international focus to motorsport in the Arab world and showed that drivers from the region could compete at the highest levels.

After retiring from competitive driving, bin Sulayem moved into motorsport administration. In 2005, he became President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization, representing the UAE in the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). In 2008, he was elected FIA Vice President for Sport and joined the FIA World Motor Sport Council. He was instrumental in bringing the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to Yas Marina Circuit in 2009, a major step in expanding Formula One into the Gulf. In 2012, he helped establish and chaired the FIA Arab Council of Touring and Automobile Clubs, further involving the region in global motorsport governance.

In December 2021, bin Sulayem was elected President of the FIA, taking over from Jean Todt and becoming the first non-European to hold the post. His election marked a significant change in the global governance of motorsport. Early in his presidency, he restructured race control procedures in 2022 in response to criticism after controversies at the end of the 2021 Formula One season. In September 2024, he was named UN Tourism's Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism in Sport, recognizing his efforts to incorporate sustainability into motorsport policies.

Bin Sulayem's time as FIA President has faced challenges. In 2024, he dealt with complaints regarding the certification process for the Las Vegas Strip Circuit and allegations of influencing the outcome of the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. In 2025, he faced further criticism over driver conduct penalties and concerns about transparency within the organization. These issues have kept his presidency under close watch in the motorsport community.