There has been some controversy surrounding the choice of the new FIA President, Mohammed ben Sulayem, to appoint Bernie Ecclestone's wife as one of his Vice Presidents. Fabiana Ecclestone will be given a leadership position in the FIA's South American branch.

According to critics, this would allow the former Formula 1 chief to exert influence in motor racing again, but Ben Sulayem clarifies that this is not the case. The successor of former FIA president Jean Todt already announced in his campaign that he wants to appoint a female vice president and mentioned the name of Ecclestone.

New FIA president explains Ecclestone appointment

The appointment caused speculation that her husband would gain influence in motorsport again. Ben Sulayem was not motivated by her last name but by her involvement in the organisation of the Brazilian Grand Prix reports Motorsport.com.

Her background and her ties with the motorsport federation in Brazil drove the new president of the FIA to his choice. He also denies any involvement of Bernie Ecclestone in the appointment of his wife.