FIA chooses Malcolm Wilson to succeed Robert Reid

The FIA has officially appointed Malcolm Wilson to the position of vice-president for sport, two weeks after the sudden resignation of Robert Reid. This appointment, which will need to be confirmed by a vote of FIA members in June in Macau, comes amid turbulence within the governing body of global motorsport.

A pillar of rallying at the helm

Malcolm Wilson, 69, is no novice in the motorsport world. A British rally champion in 1994, he is best known as the founder and head of M-Sport, the organization that managed Ford’s rally program for nearly 30 years. His team notably secured two manufacturers’ titles in the WRC (2006 and 2007). His career earned him an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2009.

The role of vice-president for sport is an important function. Indeed, Wilson will oversee the development of championships and the FIA’s sports policies. Among the hot topics awaiting him: the energy transition and finding a balance between traditional competitions and new disciplines.

In a statement, FIA President Ben Sulayem praised the distinguished career of his new vice president: « Malcolm has had a remarkable career in global motorsport. For over 40 years, he has been involved at the highest level, both as a driver and a technical partner for teams. This experience will be invaluable to the FIA and our member clubs as we continue to develop motorsport, both at the grassroots and professional levels, by driving innovation for the benefit of fans, drivers, and teams. »

A succession in turmoil

This announcement follows the high-profile resignation of Robert Reid, who had held the position since 2021. In his resignation letter, Reid criticized the erosion of transparency principles and decisions made behind closed doors, particularly the internal takeover of the World Rallycross Championship without consulting relevant bodies. A matter which, according to him, exposed the FIA to legal risks.

In response to these accusations, the FIA defended its position by highlighting its particularly strong corporate governance policies, which it claims ensure compliance with established procedures. For the specific case of Rallycross, the body justified its direct intervention by stating that it is investing directly in the championship for the benefit of fans, teams, and its member clubs, as part of its commitment to doubling participation in motorsport worldwide. However, this response did not directly address the fears of legal risks raised by Reid, nor did it detail the decision-making mechanisms that led to this takeover.

This nomination also comes at a time when Ford, Wilson’s historic partner, is preparing its return to Formula 1 in 2026 as a partner of Red Bull in engine production, raising further questions about potential conflicts of interest that the new vice president for sport will have to manage.

Wilson ready to take on the challenge

The main person involved said he was honored by this appointment: « The FIA has played a central role in my career, and I look forward to supporting the president as well as the entire FIA family in its essential mission. There has never been a more exciting time to be part of motorsport, and I know from first-hand experience the benefits this sport brings to families and communities around the world. I am eager to work with the president throughout his current term to introduce our sport to new audiences and ensure the best possible championships for all our competitors. »

The reference to Ben Sulayem’s current term is not insignificant, as it indeed expires in December 2025. So far, no challenger has come forward against the president for the upcoming elections. The evolution of this transition could reveal whether Wilson’s arrival represents a genuine desire for change or merely a cosmetic reshuffle within the FIA’s internal political landscape.