After 12 years or three terms in office, Jean Todt stepped down as President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to be replaced by Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The Frenchman’s presidency will be remembered for the transition achieved towards sustainability, promoting electric categories such as Formula E and introducing initiatives into Formula 1 to reduce carbon emissions.
Specifically about Formula E, Todt said during a dinner back in 2011 that someone should set up an electric car championship, and at that time, businessman Alejandro Agag raised his hand, adding investors, investment rounds and sponsors. A decade later, the Spaniard assures that the financial situation of the series is not only good, but it is the championship with the most direct relationship with the automotive industry and its future.
The Change at F1
With Todt as a great propellant, Formula 1 used sustainable fuel on 2021. In addition, FIA set the goal of achieving near-zero net energy consumption by 2030.
FIA has announced that sustainable fuel use on F1 is part of an environmental strategy approved during the 2020 Annual General Meeting.
Read also: Jean Todt, a motorsport leader driving to the electric age
Engine manufacturers received their first barrels of 100% sustainable fuel made from biodegradable waste such as leaves, food scraps, paper or biodegradable plastics.
The Flagship of His Management
The 75-year-old Gaul made safety his priority, both on the racetracks, with overall improvement of vehicles, and on the road, through his role as UN special envoy for road safety since 2015.
In sports, he rebuilt the single-seater pyramid with categories leading up to Formula 1, endorsed the creation of Formula E, launched a world endurance championship with a new premier class, and put together a Rally-Raid world tournament.
“A chapter has come to an end. We can collectively be satisfied with our achievements in motorsport and safe and sustainable mobility over the past 12 years,” Todt said during his farewell speech.
“I would like to warmly thank my team, our management and all our member clubs for their unwavering commitment, enthusiasm and resilience. I congratulate Mohammed on his election as FIA president and wish him, his team and the Federation every success in the years ahead,” he concluded.
Written by I Jhonattan González
