Di Grassi interested in FIA presidency following retirement

Audi Formula E racer Lucas di Grassi admits that the role of FIA President would interest him after he hangs up his helmet. The 33-year-old has been tipped by some to take over following the conclusion of Jean Todt's final term.

Todt recently began his third term as he was unopposed in last year's campaign. The Frenchman's final stint as president will expire in 2021. Di Grassi, who is currently the CEO of driverless racing initiative Roborace, has revealed that the FIA presidency role is something he will consider. 

"I love my sport," he said to Autosport. "I have sometimes a very different view from other people. "That showed up when we started Formula E, that showed up a bit with my views on the WEC when I said that LMP1 was not sustainable the way it was going – five years ago when I joined WEC, actually – and with Roborace.

"I would love to help the sport, I'd love to make it more exciting, make races better, make everything safer and at the same time, fight this wave that is pushing motorsport backwards with less categories, more financial problems, less sponsors.

"Of course I would do that, but I'm still young. I have a lot of time in front of me, but why not think big and why not think about the FIA presidency in the future? If I think it's the correct way, and if people would like to share my ideas, I'm more than happy to do so."

Di Grassi has also been very outspoken about the need for motorsport to adapt to a changing world, and believes in the cause of enforcing higher standards of safety for the drivers while racing.

Fergal Walsh