Schumacher: Jean Todt will change the FIA

Michael Schumacher explained in a letter sent to the members of the FIA why he thinks Jean Todt is the best candidate to become the next president of the federation. He emphasized that the Frenchman would not simply continue Max Mosley’s regime and insisted that the former Ferrari team boss would implement major changes. The seven-time world champion noted that he feels Jean Todt is the best person to lead the FIA and advance motorsport. The Red Baron insisted that the Frenchman has his own ideas and that it would be a new era on the Board of Directors.

« I know there are people who say that Jean’s presidency would be a continuation of Max’s leadership. I can only tell these people that they do not know Jean. He has his own knowledge, his own agenda, and his own leadership style. From my experience, he will implement his plans for the FIA in his own way, like a team player. »

Indeed, the 40-year-old driver, who enjoyed unparalleled success alongside Jean Todt at Ferrari in the early 2000s, believes that the time is right to introduce changes at the FIA and that the Frenchman is the right man for the job.

« After working for the FIA and the FIA Foundation on numerous projects for over a decade, I can claim to be familiar with the federation. That’s why I feel deeply that the time has come for changes, but these changes must be managed carefully by someone as skilled as Jean. »

« Since I stopped driving in Formula 1, I have been following the sport very closely and I have read many stories that have harmed our sport so much », said the Red Baron.

He also believes that Mr. Todt will be a president of reconciliation and ready to delegate tasks: His characteristics such as leadership, loyalty, commitment, and knowledge are beyond question, but in my opinion, his exceptional skill is encouraging team spirit. In my time, I experienced in Formula 1 his willingness to share and delegate to a great extent and with success.

« In many conversations we have had recently, I understood how his political agenda was thought out. I also understood that he will bring many changes, preparing in his own way through consensus with all stakeholders, rather than confrontation. He will work within a team of experts, to benefit the world of sports and mobility. » Explains the former Ferrari driver.

Michael Schumacher also expressed his dissatisfaction with the attitude of some of the largest automobile clubs towards Jean Todt’s campaign, stating that some decided to support Ari Vatanen even before reading the proposals of the former Ferrari boss: « I must say that I was astonished and disappointed by the way some major clubs acted during this electoral period. It seems they made their choice even before reading Jean’s political proposals. »

« I firmly believe that the FIA needs more openness, added the German. « This is not my conception of transparency or professionalism. » Concluded the seven-time world champion.

The letter from Schumacher arrives just one day after Todt’s campaign team also wrote to FIA member clubs, criticizing Ari Vatanen’s “negative” tactics. The FIA presidential election takes place next Friday at the FIA headquarters in Paris.