The FIA, motorsport’s global governing body, is now facing its most serious leadership crisis in years. Robert Reid, Deputy President for Sport, resigned this week, citing a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards.” His departure adds more pressure on FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, whose leadership has already been under intense public and internal scrutiny.
Robert Reid Steps Down Over Governance Concerns
In his resignation letter, Robert Reid criticized how the FIA has been run in recent years. He said some of the biggest decisions were made without due process. According to Reid, the FIA no longer follows fair and open procedures.
“Motorsport deserves leadership that is accountable, transparent, and member-driven,” Reid stated.
Reid’s exit follows several other high-level resignations. Many insiders now question if the FIA can continue to operate effectively without major changes at the top.
Reid’s Exit Sparks Strong Reactions
Reid’s resignation drew quick reactions across the racing world. David Richards, the chair of Motorsport UK, had already sent an open letter last month. In it, he warned that the FIA had become too focused around the president. He said its inner workings were becoming less transparent and more controlled by one man.
Others supported these claims. Former FIA CEO Natalie Robyn, who left her post in 2024, backed Reid’s statement. Robyn had clashed with Ben Sulayem during her time in office. She said the president often ignored other senior voices and ran the FIA with too much personal power.
Formula 1 driver George Russell, who is also a director in the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), was blunt in his comments. “It’s not surprising anymore,” he said. “But it’s definitely worrying.”
A Pattern of Controversies Under Ben Sulayem
Since becoming FIA president in December 2021, Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s time in office has been rocky. Several events during his leadership have raised questions about his style and decision-making.
Here are some of the key issues under his watch:
- Driver Gag Rule: The FIA announced rules to limit what drivers could say about social and political issues. After backlash, the rule was softened. Still, it left a bad impression on many fans and drivers.
- The Wolff Investigation: The FIA briefly launched an investigation into Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff and his wife Susie Wolff, head of the F1 Academy. The probe, based on media rumors, was quickly dropped. Susie Wolff later filed a legal complaint for damage to her reputation.
- Alleged Interference in Races: Ben Sulayem was accused of trying to influence race results, including the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. An internal probe cleared him, but critics say the investigation lacked independence.
- Sexist Remarks: Old interviews surfaced in which Ben Sulayem made sexist comments. Though he claimed they were taken out of context, many found his explanations lacking.
- High-Profile Resignations: Alongside Robyn and Reid, other major names have stepped down. These include Tim Goss (technical director), Steve Nielsen (sporting director), and Deborah Mayer (head of the Women in Motorsport Commission). Most of them left due to reported disagreements with the president.
This pattern of events has led many to believe that the FIA is in need of deep reform.
FIA Responds Briefly, Critics Demand Change
The FIA issued a short statement thanking Reid for his service. It also claimed it follows “robust corporate governance policies.” But the statement did not directly address any of Reid’s claims.
Many observers saw this as a missed chance for the FIA to respond seriously to the growing concerns. Motorsport insiders and teams are now asking for a clear plan to rebuild trust and fix the cracks inside the organization.
F1 fans have also voiced frustration on social media. Many are calling for more openness from the FIA and for leaders to listen more to the sport’s key stakeholders — teams, drivers, and national motorsport bodies.
Pressure Builds Ahead of Re-Election
Ben Sulayem is expected to run for re-election as FIA president this December. So far, no other candidates have stepped forward. But this may change, especially now that Reid — a respected and experienced figure — has left.
If no challenger appears, Ben Sulayem could win again without real opposition. This would only add to fears that the FIA’s power structure is too rigid and top-heavy.
However, some experts say the current crisis might finally push reform forward. Calls for change are growing louder, and the FIA cannot afford to lose more key people or public trust.
The next few months will be crucial for the FIA. With the Formula 1 season heating up and global attention on motorsport, the FIA must show that it can govern fairly and transparently. Many want to see:
- An independent review of FIA governance
- A clear code of conduct for leadership
- A commitment to include more voices in decision-making
- Stronger checks and balances for the president’s power
Motorsport has always relied on trust — between drivers, teams, fans, and its governing body. That trust is now at risk.