The Era of Max “The Littlest Perv” Mosley Ends
Max Mosley’s long and controversial reign at the helm of Formula One’s governing body will end today when either ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt or former world rally champion Ari Vatanen takes over.
Mosley, whose private life became very public last year when it emerged that he engaged in sado-masochistic sex sessions with prostitutes, has backed Todt to succeed him as president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
Mosley bows out after 16 years at the head of world motorsport’s governing body in typically controversial fashion, having been forced to defend himself following threats of legal action from Vatanen over his favoritism towards Todt.
The former World Rally Champion voiced concerns over apparent lobbying taking place withing the FIA on behalf of the former Ferrari team principal; however, Vatanen has now withdrawn the court application.
Vatanen, a former European parliamentarian backed by Formula One manufacturers and Mosley’s enemies, has stood on a platform of change and transparent governance to make a clean break from the Mosley era.
The position is the most powerful in world motorsport and Todt, who also has the support of Formula One supremo Bernie “The Gnome” Ecclestone, must rank as the favorite when the election takes place in Paris.
However others have suggested that the outcome, with the Frenchman and his Finnish rival waging a high-profile and increasingly personal war of words, might be too close to call.
“In the last two years we have spent more time on the battleground than on common ground,” the Finn said after announcing his candidacy. “I would say we need to reconcile.”
Todt, unaffectionately called “Toady” by some, whose record in rallying and in F1 is outstanding, has made clear that he is not simply Mosley’s man.
“I am ready to start from a white sheet of paper at all levels,” the Frenchman said. Both candidates will address the FIA General Assembly before the vote.
While the focus will be on the future, today is as much about Mosley’s departure from a position he has held since 1993.
“I will offer advice only if specifically asked to do. The time has now come for me to step back and enjoy a much quieter life,” the 69-year-old said in a letter to members.
Sir Jackie Stewart has labeled Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone’s support for Jean Todt as “totally unacceptable”.
Stewart believes the sport “has been ruled by fear and threat” and hopes it will change soon.
“Max is saying that for anyone who votes against Jean Todt there will be repercussions,” he told The Independent. “The vote is supposedly a secret ballot, but people are still somewhat frightened of voting against the will of Max and Bernie. I feel that for some time now motor sport has been ruled by fear and threat, and that categorically has to change.”
Formula One has been dogged by scandals recently and the different penalties dished out - especially to McLaren for their role on the Spygate saga and Renault for the Singapore race-fixing debacle - left Stewart confused.
“Bernie and Max have created such a power base for themselves, they have such influence, whether financial or regulatory, that it is simply not healthy for the long-term stability of the sport,” he said. “One of my biggest concerns is that there is no consistency of penalties issued by the FIA.
“How could they justify a $100m [£60m] fine [imposed on McLaren] for something not actually proven, and certainly not in a civil court of law? That’s the largest fine in the history of sport. Never in the NFL, in baseball, in the Premier League, in golf or tennis, has there been a $100m fine. Yet Renault, on the other hand, were told they were guilty of the Crashgate scandal, for what is claimed to be the largest scandal ever in sport, never mind motor racing, and received no financial penalty at all?
“I have heard of drivers crashing into other drivers to win Championships. Michael Schumacher did it on two occasions. But here we have a driver [Nelson Picquet Jnr] accepting responsibility for crashing into a concrete wall. How can there be no financial penalty? That’s a hideously serious offence. I’ve talked to Niki Lauda, to Damon Hill, to Stirling Moss, nobody’s ever heard of something like that.”
Related articles
- Vatanen promises FIA code of ethics if elected (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
- Vatanen takes on favorite Todt in FIA election (cbssports.com)
- Sex and Scandal Fused Under Mosley’s F1 Reign (abcnews.go.com)
[...] • It’s the end of the road for the reign of F1’s Max Mosley, who’s as famous for what he did behind closed doors as what he oversaw on the track. [Full Throttle] [...]
Sorry the opposite is true, Max’s reign of terror will continue unabated, with a new emperor & Max still wielding influence from the shadows.
There will be a “death by a thousand cuts” for the teams & the 49 delegates that supported Ari. The teams are highly vulnerable at this moment, wavering manufacturer commitment, shaky sponsors & an economic situation not favoring new advertisers entering the sport.
Forget all those threats about breaking away, right now F1 is the only casino in town………& the new Sheriff knows it. Ron & Flavio are probably grateful they are not in the pit lane, as it is just a matter of time before this new little Napoleon makes an example of someone by sending them to the guillotine.
Best related quote seen so far: “How Many small, African motor clubs got a keg of beer, 3 cows and Chelsea hooker delivery tonight?”
Only if they had paid their membership fee, when Spanky had his position in the hot seat the Russian Federation had to abstain…….non payment of dues.