Ben Ainslie Steps Down as SailGP Driver, Hands Over Role to Giles Scott

Despite stepping down as driver, Ainslie will continue his involvement in SailGP as Emirates GBR chief executive and maintain his role in INEOS Britannia for the upcoming America's Cup.

Ben Ainslie, a four-time Olympic champion and America’s Cup helmsman, is stepping down as the driver of his SailGP team, handing over the role to double Olympic champion Giles Scott.
Ainslie will continue to be involved in SailGP as Emirates GBR chief executive and will also continue his role as CEO and skipper of INEOS Britannia, his British challenger for the 37th America's Cup.
The decision to step down as driver was described by Ainslie as 'probably the toughest decision' of his sporting career, citing the need to balance his responsibilities to his teams and his family.
Despite stepping down as driver, Ainslie is not retiring from sailing and will be participating in the America’s Cup in Barcelona later this year.
Giles Scott, who will be taking over as driver, is also a co-helm in the America’s Cup challenger later this year, making his role in SailGP a valuable opportunity to 'sharpen his racing claws'.