Fear. Uncertainty. Doubt. FUD is a common acronym in the computer world, most often associated with Microsoft, the large monopolistic company hell-bent on controlling the software market. Microsoft often uses FUD to convince potential customers of the dangers of purchasing products from or partnering with a rival. They argue that you are always safer staying with a known product and avoiding the risk and uncertainty of change. This is also the latest tactic initiated by Max Mosley in his increasingly desperate campaign to remain in power as FIA President.

In a letter to all the FIA Club Presidents, Max plays the fear, uncertainty and doubt card by suggesting that great harm could come to the FIA should he be removed from power via a scheduled non-confidence vote on June 3.

First, he suggests that the members should fear losing their control over Formula 1 to Big Business. Mosley paints a dark future in which the FIA loses control of F1 to the Commercial Rights Holders. This shadow cabinet of business interests would then decide the rules governing the sport. Unbeknown to the members, this attack on the FIA is occurring right now and Max is doing all he can to hold the line.

Curiously, the letter does not explain why members should not be suspicious of the timing of the information, this being the first mention of a hostile takeover. Second, it does not explain to what degree members currently have any real control over Formula 1. In truth, the autocratic Mosley has always wielded the real power of the organization.

Next, Mosley mentions several challenges facing the FIA including the aforementioned F1 takeover, the future of the WRC and the potential divorce between the sporting and mobility clubs. He suggests possible solutions to these problems that imply that without the leadership of an experienced hand who understands the issues, there is much uncertainly ahead for the FIA.

Finally, should you be someone who thinks that there is just as capable a candidate out there who could rise to these challenges Max has some bad news for you. Just the process of choosing a new President could very well put the FIA at risk - members might inadvertently elect a ‘Manchurian-like’ candidate controlled by the very forces that seek to undermine the organization. No one can be trusted! Doubt all who might seek power! Trust Max, who you know, from reading the letter, has fought the good fight on behalf of the FIA for years and years.

The underlying message from Max is clear. “Let me do the job until I retire next year because, frankly, no one else can handle all of these challenges better than I can and the chances of you electing someone even worse than me are almost guaranteed.”

The argument has some logic to it, but only if you’re willing to believe that Max himself wasn’t helped into power by individuals with commercial agendas and that many of the problems facing the FIA at the moment are not a direct consequence of his experienced leadership.

I believe that it’s questionable that the future of Formula 1 is so closely tied to Mosley’s own fate. He has done much for the sport but he is not the sport. My hope is that I’m proven right on June 3.

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Hell of a way to start a Monday morning if you’re Max Mosley - finding out that you’re the subject of a sex scandal involving Nazi-themed escapades and several professional ‘ladies.’ Not exactly how the President of the FIA probably expected his week to start.

Of the legions of public figures who one might think of when discussing sex scandals, Max is not at the top of my list. Still, the UK based tabloid, News of the World is claiming just such a thing and they seem to have photographic proof. Stills of the event can be found on their website for those with inquiring minds.

There are serious consequences if this story has any legs to it and there are three things that will make surviving this situation even more difficult for Mosley: Nazis, political enemies and the FIA anti-racism campaign.

First, Max is the son of Oswald Mosley, the leader of the British Fascist Union before World War 2. Given this, he should know that not only is dressing up as a Nazi and humiliating women ‘prisoners’ in grossly poor taste, it’s going to bring his family past straight to the forefront. The perception will be that, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” or something to that effect. Mosley has already stated that his family’s political past has prevented him from entering British politics. Surely he would know to steer clear of anything that could be associated with it.

Second, like any politician good at his game, Mosley has enemies aplenty. Present and former team owners, national sporting (ASN) presidents and European Union politicians all come to mind. They can all smell the blood in the water from a wounded political foe and will start circling for the kill. The demands for Max’s resignation will start within weeks, if not days, and they will be joined by others who will simply take advantage of a political opportunity. With reelection in October, Mosley is especially vulnerable.

Finally, Mosley’s own over-zealous reaction to racist behavior in Spain against McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton will certainly come back to haunt him. How hypocritical - The FIA President threatens Spain with the loss of one or both of it’s races because of racism from fans at the tracks and then he allegedly dons a Nazi uniform for a sexual romp with prostitutes masquerading as concentration camp prisoners. If true, the audacity is unbelievable!

The coming days and weeks will prove interesting for those who delight in watching a politician in survival mode. Mosley has an uphill struggle and he has shackled himself with imagery that is not easily forgivable. Should he survive, it might well be his biggest political achievement which is a shame given some of the good work he has done in the areas of road and racing safety.

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