Dieter Rencken, takes over the new post of FIA Formula 1 commissioner
According to information from Autosport, the FIA has appointed a Formula 1 commissioner to support the association in developing strategies and improvements relating to Formula 1
Former F1 journalist Dieter Rencken will take on this role with immediate effect. The South African has been an advisor to FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem for several months.
Rencken will reportedly report directly to Ben Sulayem and will be involved in the formulation and implementation of improvements for Formula 1. In addition, he will take part in discussions on the drafting of the new Concorde Agreement.
The new basic agreement on the commercial aspects of Formula 1 is due to come into force in 2026. The FIA is a separate organization from FOM, the commercial rights holder of Formula 1.
Plans for the post are not new
The idea of a Formula 1 commissioner at the FIA is not new. Back in 2009, the then FIA President Jean Todt wanted to create such a post when he took office. However, the plans came to nothing for two reasons.
Firstly, Todt was unable to find the right candidate because the FIA, as a non-profit organization, was not in a position to pay suitably qualified people. In a speech at the time, Todt said: “We have to find someone who is prepared to give their time and skills for nothing”.
In the end, Todt rejected the idea completely, as he felt that the role of commissioner was not necessary as long as the then Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone was the strong man at the head of the Formula 1 Commission.
Bin Sulayem: “This is not a one-man show “
Last month, however, Todt’s successor Bin Sulayem spoke of the need for more people to work around him as he expressed confidence in those who would lead the Concorde Agreement negotiations.
“This is not a one-man show,” he said. “I always talk to our team. If you had asked me six months ago, I would have said I don’t have enough good people to negotiate this.”
“Today I have a good team. It’s good to start now. But our house is not on fire yet. And the new Concorde Agreement should be fair for all three parties: FIA, FOM and the ten teams, if they still exist. I think we will then have a good feeling,” said bin Sulayem.
