Former FIA President Max Mosley passes away, aged 81

Former FIA president Max Mosley, who was a British racing driver, lawyer and most famously President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, has died aged 81.

Mosley was the youngest son of Sir Oswald Mosley, former leader of the British Union of Fascists, and Diana Mitford. He was educated in France, Germany, and Britain before going on to attend university at Christ Church, Oxford, where he graduated with a degree in physics. He then changed to law.

A barrister and former amateur racing driver, Mosley was a founder and co-owner of March Engineering, a racing car constructor and Formula One racing team. He was responsible for the legal and commerical matters for the company and became the team’s representative at the Formula One Constructors’ Assosication.

He became the official legal adviser to FOCA and played a central part in the negotiations of the first version of the Concorde Agreement, which dictates the terms by which the teams compete in races and how the television revenues and prize money is divided.

Mosley was elected president of FISA in 1991 and became president of the FIA, FISA's parent body, in 1993. As President of the FIA, he also promoted increased safety and the use of green technologies in motor racing.

Mosley stood down at the end of his term in 2009 and was replaced by his preferred successor, Jean Todt.

Jean Todt, Mosley's successor as President of the FIA, posted his own message of condolence.

He said: "Deeply saddened by the passing of Max Mosley. He was a major figure in F1 and motor sport. As FIA President for 16 years, he strongly contributed to reinforcing safety on track and on the roads.

"The entire FIA community pays tribute to him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family," he said.