Ben Ainslie steps down as GB's SailGP driver and replaced by Giles Scott

Image source, SailGP

Image caption, SailGP is currently halfway through season four

Ben Ainslie has announced he is stepping down as Great Britain's SailGP driver.

Ainslie, who is the most decorated Olympic sailor in history, has been in the role since 2019.

Two-time Olympic champion Giles Scott will replace Ainslie at the helm for the next event in Abu Dhabi on 13 January.

"It's time to let the next generation come through and have their opportunity," said Ainslie.

The 46-year-old said his decision to step away from the Emirates GBR role was "probably the toughest decision I've had to make in my sporting career".

"Like any big decision, there's plenty that goes into it and a lot of factors at play," he added.

"I'm the CEO of both Emirates GBR and the Ineos Britannia America's Cup Team, I've got a few different business interests and most importantly I'm a husband and father, and at some point you've got to realise that you can't do everything."

Ainslie's successor, Scott, missed out on selection for the 2012 Olympics. The place went to Ainslie, who won his fourth and final gold medal before retiring from Olympic competition.

Scott went on to compete for Team GB at the Rio 2016 Games, winning gold in the Finn class, before retaining his title at Tokyo 2020.

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Giles Scott is taking over from Ben Ainslie

On taking on the role as driver, Scott, 36, said: "SailGP is an amazing league - there's nothing else like it and for Ben to give me the call-up is amazing.

"I've got to step up to the mark and do the best job I can to fill those big old boots that Ben's left behind."

SailGP is currently halfway through season four and Emirates GBR secured back-to-back wins in the European leg.