Mosley was president of the governing body of motorsport, the FIA, and one of the most significant figures in the world of Formula 1 during the sport’s heyday.

Mosley’s passing was confirmed by former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, who revealed his close relationship with the former FIA boss.

“He died last night. He was like family to me. We were like brothers. I am pleased in a way because he suffered for too long,” he told the Press Association.

“It’s like losing family, like losing a brother, Max and I.

“He did a lot of good things, not just for motorsport, also the (motor) industry. 

“He was very good in making sure people built cars that were safe.”

Despite being a driving force in the world of motorsport, Mosley’s latter years saw his public reputation impacted by news reports of his involvement in a sadomasochistic orgy with five prostitutes in 2008.

That incident, which was originally reported by the News of the World newspaper, prompted Mosley to invest millions of his personal fortune into pushing for stricter controls over press intrusion into the private lives of public figures.

He also successfully sued the publisher of the News of the World for wrongly reporting that he had attended a “Nazi-themed” sex party.

Mosley was the son of former Hitler sympathiser and fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley.

Tributes started to pour in following the news of Mosley’s passing, with the Williams Racing Formula 1 team tweeting, “We are saddened to learn of the passing of former FIA president, Max Mosley.

“Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

A Formula 1 spokesperson also issued a statement to motorsport outlet Crash.net, saying, “We are saddened to hear that Max Mosley, former FIA president, has passed away. A huge figure in the transition of Formuia 1.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Former F1 racer with Virgin Racing and current Audi Formula E driver Lucas DiGrassi also paid tribute to Mosley’s passing on social media.

“Thanks for all the years of dedication and all the benefits added to our sport,” he tweeted.

Former Jordan and Cosworth consultant Mark Gallagher paid tribute to Mosley’s behind-the-scenes impact on motoring away from the racetrack.

“So few realise the very good work that Max Mosley did as regards safety in racing and its transfer into road cars,” he tweeted.

“The pioneering work which he drove at the FIA post-Imola ‘94 helped make safety a key marketing tool for car companies.

“A fascinating man, with quite the life story.

“It was typical of him not to be cowed by the salacious headlines created by the News of The World (followed by a media ‘pile on’) about his private life.

“Instead, he took the fight to them and won. His long time friend Bernie Ecclestone failed to support him initially, something Bernie came to regret.

“I also loved the story that when told Max had been filmed at an orgy for six hours, Bernie was mainly impressed with high levels of stamina.

“Sorry to see Max leave the stage. Looking forward to seeing the forthcoming film (about his life).”

Mosley was a former barrister and amateur racing driver who founded the March F1 team before eventually becoming the team’s representative on the Formula One Constructors Association.

That started his involvement in how the sport was run and he represented the sport and its teams, alongside Ecclestone, in meetings with the FIA.

He later became the group’s official legal advisor and was later elected president of the FIA in 1993.

Mosley’s influence extended far beyond the bounds of professional motorsport, however, and he was a driving force in the new European New Car Assessment Programme, better known to car buyers as Euro NCAP, which later established the industry standard for crash protection in mass-produced cars.

He was also a pioneer for the increased safety measures in motorsport, with the introduction of more stringent crash-testing protocols and the introduction of the HANS (head and neck support) device in F1.

The official Formula 1 Twitter account posted a short tribute, saying, “Everyone at Formula 1 is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Max Mosley.

“From a team owner to FIA president, he transformed our sport – and his legacy, particularly in safety, will last for generations.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Those words were echoed by a host of big names from the motorsport fraternity.

FIA president Jean Todt offered his condolences and praised Mosley’s contribution via a Twitter tribute.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Max Mosley.He was a major figure in @F1 & motorsport,” he tweeted.

“As @FIA President for 16 years, he strongly contributed to reinforcing safety on track & on the roads. 

“The entire FIA community pays tribute to him. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family.”

Former F1 racer-turned Formula E team boss Allan McNish tweeted, “Very sad to hear that Max Mosley has passed away. 

“Max was an incredibly strong character with the sharpest mind I have ever met. 

“As drivers we owe him a debt of thanks for all he did in our sport especially his behind the scenes work on safety.”

And the official Scuderia Ferrari team tweeted similar sentiments, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the news of Max Mosley’s passing. 

“He was passionate about motorsport and as President of the @FIA he made an immensely valuable contribution to improving safety in the sport. 

“@ScuderiaFerrari extends its sincere condolences to his family.”