Jean Todt (right) and Ari Vatanen (left)

Max Mosley is finally leaving Formula One but not without some kind of involvement behind the scenes in his final letter.

He recommends close aide, Jean Todt, the former former Ferrari team principal as the one who should be handling future motorsport matters.

The 69 year old has official sent out his ‘stepping down’ letter as the the President to all members of the FIA.

The letter partly read, “Since my announcement on 24 June that I was not going to seek re-election, I have received almost 100 messages from FIA member clubs urging me to think again.

From a personal point of view it would be very diffcult for me to change my mind and stand again.

I also informed senior FIA staff that I would not be a candidate.

Therefore, with these new arrangements in place, extremely grateful though I am for all the letters, emails and messages I received, I have decided to reconfirm my decision. I will not be a candidate in October.

I believe the objectives of those who have been kind enough to support me can be achieved if you elect a strong, experienced and competent team, one which will maintain the independence of the FIA and ensure that both the sport and the mobility side are properly run. As an ex officio member of the Senate, I hope to play a modest role myself.

I believe the right person to head that team would be John Todt.”

I myself don’t believe Jean Todt will bring any changes to F1 as what the FOTA wants in their bargaining rally-cry previously.

Todt I believe is still an ‘old-school’ racer, similar to Mosley, just take a look at how he handled Ferrari back in his heydays. Plus he’s an unpopular figure in the paddock.

He ruled with a fist firm hand, and his saying is final, again as with Max Mosley. Recall the time when Todt ordered Barrichello to slow down and let Schumacher win the race. That kind of decision tars F1 image, as it should be fair and free.

That’s why I believe electing a successor instead for the FIA Presidency is the best, instead of appointments.

So far Ari Vatanen has declared his candidacy. The 57 year old Finn is the former 1981 World Rally Champion and a two-term member of the European Parliament. He has also gained the support of the American Automobile Association as well as McLaren Mercedes team principal Martin Whitmarsh.