Sulayem won the Socrso election on Friday by beating Graham Stoker and one of the first decisions during his campaign was to propose a woman as vice president for sport.
The fact that Ecclestone’s wife is on the team made everyone think that the former ‘Godfather’ of the circus could be involved, but Sulayem ruled out this hypothesis, specifying that Fabiana was chosen for the work done in Brazil, rather than for any connection with her husband.
“This is history for the FIA, having for the first time a woman with a position in our team – said the new President – We are not talking about committees: we are talking about one who will become the Vice President of sport”.
“When I approached Ecclestone, I didn’t do it for the name, but because Fabiana has credibility. And the choice was made on merit.”
“She has been involved in mobility in the Brazilian club and for F1 in that country. So she has experience from both the sport and mobility side having been in two Commissions”.
“Bernie said, ‘You have to convince her. It has nothing to do with me.’ So that’s where her help actually stopped.”
Photo by: Sutton Images
Sulayem doesn’t hide the fact that Bernie Ecclestone has experience that would be invaluable to him, but he believes his current team is strong enough to improve everything.
“Bernie is definitely a reference for F1, and there is always a need for experience and wise people.”
“But I think we have a good team in the FIA and a good World Motorsport Council that we can refer to and ask, in order to help grow the sport and F1.”
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