Former FIA president Max Mosley dies aged 81

Mosley was appointed FIA president in 1993, taking over from Jean-Marie Balestre.

He remained in office until 2009, overseeing several fundamental changes to the sport in terms of safety following the disastrous events of Imola 1994.

Mosley oversaw the introduction of the HANS device, stricter crash tests - leading to a safer sport as a whole.

Prior to his FIA presidency, Mosley was a barrister and founder of March Engineering, a racing car constructor and F1 team. 

While Mosley wasn’t short of controversy in his personal life, he left a major mark on the sport and wider car industry.

He was heavily involved in the decision to fine McLaren heavily in the Spy scandal in 2007, while his tenure as president came to an end when he took the News of the World to court after it printed allegations about his sex life.

Mosley decided not to stand for re-election in 2009, ultimately being replaced by former Ferrari boss Jean Todt, who is still the current FIA president.

Ex-F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone told BBC Sport: "It’s like losing family, like losing a brother, Max and I. He did a lot of good things not just for motorsport, also the [car] industry he was very good in making sure people built cars that were safe."

An F1 spokesperson told Crash.net: “We are saddened to hear that Max Mosley former FIA President has passed away. A huge figure in the transition of Formula 1.  

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."

A family statement confirmed that Mosley died on Sunday night after a battle with cancer. 

Deeply saddened by the passing of Max Mosley.He was a major figure in @F1 & motor sport. As @FIA President for 16 years, he strongly contributed to reinforcing safety on track & on the roads. The entire FIA community pays tribute to him. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family pic.twitter.com/iFcHzBHaWX

— Jean Todt (@JeanTodt) May 24, 2021