In a momentous step, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) has appointed an experienced motorsport journalist Dieter Rencken as FIA Formula One World Championship Commissioner.
Before the announcement, Rencken was serving as Motorsport Adviser to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, but will now take on the new role with immediate effect.
Photo credit: Red Bull Content Pool
So, what exactly will Rencken’s role as commissioner involve?On the whole, his role will involve the formulation, negotiation, and implementation of strategies that will enhance and evolve the F1 championship. Rencken will report directly to Ben Sulayem and contribute to the ongoing discussions with regard to the new Concorde Agreement, the document by which F1 is governed.
He brings over 25 years of experience as an F1 journalist and has been a consistent presence at numerous Formula One Grands Prix, Formula E, WEC, WRC, WRX, MotoGP, and IndyCar events.
The concept of having a dedicated commissioner for F1 within the FIA is not new. Former FIA president Jean Todt envisioned such a role in 2009 but faced a major challenge in finding the perfect candidate due to financial constraints.
Alongside changes in the sport, Sulayem decided to revisit Todt’s idea and highlighted the need for a cohesive team to navigate negotiations and ensure a fair Concorde Agreement for all stakeholders. He said:
“We have a good single-seater [technical department] we have all of that. But when it comes to negotiation, negotiation is not technical people: technical people are about restrictors, about sound, about PU. That’s not what exists with the commercial side.”
Rencken’s appointment marks a historic moment as he becomes the FIA’s highest-ranking official from South Africa. Anton Roux, Chairman of Motorsport in South Africa and a member of the FIA Senate, congratulated Rencken on this achievement and its significance, saying:
“This is the highest position a South African has attained in the FIA”
“Rencken has been a respected F1 journalist for over 25 years and his experience, together with his passion for motorsport generally, undoubtedly makes him a valuable addition to the FIA President’s team.”
The upcoming Concorde Agreement, set to come into force in 2026 has a goal of fairness to all its stakeholders, including the FIA, FOM, and the 10 Formula One racing teams. Rencken’s expertise will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport’s governance.
