Damon Hill advocates for Susie Wolff as FIA’s next president after Mohammed Ben Sulayem, calls her “perfect"

Former Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill has weighed in on the growing speculation surrounding the departure of current FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Sulayem’s recent decrees, particularly his crackdown on foul language in the sport, have stirred concerns among drivers. Hill has suggested that, in the event of Sulayem’s exit, a former female F1 driver could be an ideal candidate to succeed him.
In a recent Instagram comment about Susie Wolff, Hill stated, “She’d be perfect.” Wolff, a former professional racing driver and the current managing director of the F1 Academy, is rumored to be considering a bid for the FIA presidency. Meanwhile, Italian media outlet Autosprint has reported that Wolff is currently at odds with Ben Sulayem, following a complaint she filed against the FIA.
Wolff's career began in karting before she progressed through several racing championships, earning multiple accolades, including British Woman Kart Racing Driver of the Year. After retiring from racing, Wolff launched the Dare to Be Different initiative, which encourages young girls, aged 8 to 14, to participate in motor racing-related activities.

In recent months, under Ben Sulayem’s leadership, the FIA has implemented strict fines for the use of foul language in motorsport—a sport known for its high-octane environment. Drivers have faced heavy penalties, with fines ranging from £33,800 for a first offense to as high as £101,000 for a third. This has left many drivers feeling uneasy as the season prepares to begin with the Australian Grand Prix in just one week.
Recently, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen told the media during one of his interviews that despite expecting a child, the only thing that could make him miss a race could be a swearing penalty. As per the current FIA guidelines, a driver could be fined up to £33,800 for a first offence and as high as £101,000 for the third offence. This has left many nervous as they gear up for the season to kickstart with the Australian Grand Prix in a week.
Also Read: Who is Mohammed Ben Sulayem? From champion driver to FIA president
Damon Hill, a former British F1 driver and broadcaster, is also in the spotlight for claiming he was ousted from Sky Sports F1 after criticizing Max Verstappen’s dominance in the sport.