Shekhar Mehta

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

Shekhar Mehta's achievements in motorsport are legendary and comparable in prestige to any industry honor. He holds the record for the most wins in the Safari Rally with five titles, a statistic that still stands today. His 1981 fifth-place finish in the World Rally Championship was a groundbreaking moment for an African driver competing on the global stage. Becoming the first African President of the FIA broke racial and geographical barriers in a predominantly European-led organization. His legacy is preserved through the Motorsport Memorial, ensuring his contributions to the sport are never forgotten.

AwardsShekhar Mehta won the Safari Rally a record five times, a feat that stands as the highest number of wins in the event's history. He finished fifth overall in the World Rally Championship in 1981. He was the first African to serve as President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA). His achievements are honored through induction into the Motorsport Memorial.

Honours & Distinctions

Motorsport Memorial Induction

Motorsport Memorial·2006

Inducted to honor his life and career in motorsport.

Rankings & Lists

Greatest African Rally Driver

Motorsport Historians' Consensus·2026

Most Safari Rally Wins

Safari Rally History·2026

Records & Feats

Most Safari Rally Wins

Chart Record·1982

Won the Safari Rally five times (1973, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982), a record that still stands.

First African FIA President

Historic First·2000

Became the first African to serve as President of the International Automobile Federation.