10. Mohammed Ben Sulayem

Mohammed Ben Sulayem (born 12 November 1961) is an Emirati former rally driver and motorsports executive, currently serving as president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body of motorsport, including Formula One.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem began his racing career in the 1980s and quickly rose to prominence as one of the most successful drivers in the Middle East Rally Championship, securing an impressive 14 titles. His dominance in regional motorsport not only established him as a key figure but also played a significant role in the development of racing in the Arab world, a source of pride for the entire region.

Transitioning from racing to leadership, Ben Sulayem was appointed President of the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO) in 2005, representing the United Arab Emirates within the FIA. His influence grew further when, in 2008, he was elected FIA Vice President for Sport and became a member of the FIA World Motor Sport Council. He played a central role in organising the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009, marking the UAE’s entry into the global Formula One calendar.

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In 2012, Ben Sulayem was instrumental in founding the FIA’s Arab Council of Touring and Automobile Clubs, where he served as chairman, promoting collaboration among regional motorsport bodies.

His career reached a pinnacle in December 2021 when he was elected FIA President, succeeding Jean Todt. Since assuming office, Ben Sulayem has been at the forefront of efforts to modernise and restructure various aspects of the FIA, including a significant overhaul of race control operations in 2022 following controversies in Formula One. His vision and leadership inspire optimism for the future of motorsport.

However, his presidency has not been without criticism. In 2024, whistleblower allegations surfaced regarding the Las Vegas Strip Circuit certification and alleged interference in the outcome of the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The following year, he faced additional scrutiny over FIA’s handling of driver conduct and governance issues.

Despite controversies, Ben Sulayem has also been recognised for his advocacy for sustainability. In September 2024, he was appointed as UN Tourism’s Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism in the Sports category, honouring his work in promoting environmental responsibility within motorsport.

From rally stages across the Middle East to boardrooms of the world’s top motorsport authority, Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to the advancement and integrity of racing on a global scale.