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In a significant development, Robert Reid, the Deputy President for Sport at the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), has announced his resignation. Reid cited a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards” and decisions being made “without due process” as the primary reasons for his departure. His resignation comes amid increasing turmoil within the FIA, which has been under intense scrutiny due to a series of controversial moves made by its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Reid’s exit is the latest in a string of senior departures that have plagued the organization, signaling mounting unrest and growing dissatisfaction among the FIA’s leadership. His resignation follows a turbulent period for the FIA, which has faced numerous criticisms regarding its governance, decision-making processes, and internal leadership.

Reid’s Resignation Highlights Governance Issues

Reid’s resignation is a stark indication of the deeper issues within the FIA, which have been exacerbated under Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s presidency. The FIA has faced growing criticism over a lack of transparency and accountability in its decision-making. In his resignation letter, Reid stated that the FIA “deserves leadership that is accountable and transparent,” but lamented that these values were no longer being upheld by the governing body.

Reid’s decision to step down follows a growing chorus of criticism from various figures within the motorsport world. David Richards, the chair of Motorsport UK, recently wrote an open letter warning that the FIA’s leadership is becoming more centralised and opaque. Richards expressed concern that key decisions were being made without sufficient consultation, undermining the organization’s integrity.

This criticism was echoed by former FIA CEO Natalie Robyn, who left the organization in 2024 following reported clashes with Ben Sulayem. Robyn’s departure, combined with Reid’s exit, has raised alarms about the structural stability of the FIA. Both Reid and Robyn’s departures have exposed ongoing internal tensions within the organization, shedding light on the widening divide between senior figures and the current FIA leadership.

A Growing List of Departures

Reid is far from the first senior figure to leave the FIA under Ben Sulayem’s presidency. Over the past few months, the FIA has seen several high-profile departures, including Tim Goss, Steve Nielsen, and Deborah Mayer. These exits, combined with Reid’s, have sparked serious concerns about the stability of the FIA’s leadership.

The ongoing resignation trend has left many questioning Ben Sulayem’s leadership and whether the FIA can recover from this crisis. The increasing number of departures suggests that the FIA is struggling to retain experienced and trusted figures within the motorsport world. With key positions now vacant, the FIA faces significant challenges in maintaining its authority and reputation as the governing body of global motorsport.

Ben Sulayem Faces Scrutiny Ahead of Re-election

As Ben Sulayem prepares for re-election in December, he is under growing pressure from within the motorsport world. Critics have accused him of running the FIA in a way that has alienated key stakeholders, including drivers, teams, and commercial rights holders. There have been numerous controversies surrounding his leadership, including his crackdowns on driver expression, a brief conflict of interest inquiry into Susie and Toto Wolff, and allegations of race interference and sexist remarks. These issues have only added to the growing unrest within the FIA.

One of the most contentious issues has been Ben Sulayem’s strained relationship with Formula 1’s commercial owners. The FIA president’s actions have led to tense exchanges with F1’s governing body, and this has raised questions about whether the FIA’s leadership is sufficiently aligned with the interests of motorsport’s most commercially successful series.

In the wake of Reid’s resignation, Ben Sulayem faces increasing scrutiny over his leadership style and decisions. There are growing calls for reform within the FIA, with many stakeholders urging the organization to adopt a more inclusive and transparent approach to governance.

The FIA’s Response

In response to Reid’s resignation, the FIA issued a brief statement thanking him for his contributions to the organization. The FIA reiterated that its governance standards remain “exceptionally robust” and emphasized its commitment to improving the sport. However, the statement failed to address the growing concerns about the direction of the FIA under Ben Sulayem’s leadership.

The FIA’s attempt to downplay the severity of Reid’s departure and the wider unrest within the organization may not be enough to quell the mounting pressure. The growing chorus of critics, both inside and outside the organization, is calling for significant reforms to restore faith in the FIA’s leadership and governance.

Calls for Reform and Accountability

Reid’s resignation has renewed calls for reform within the FIA. Motorsport figures have long called for more transparency and accountability in the governing body’s decision-making processes. In his resignation letter, Reid stated that he could no longer support a system that lacked these essential values. His departure has reignited discussions about the need for structural changes within the FIA to ensure that the organization operates with integrity and accountability.

The FIA faces a critical juncture. With the presidency elections just months away, the future of Ben Sulayem’s leadership hangs in the balance. The ongoing turmoil within the organization, compounded by high-profile resignations, has raised serious questions about the FIA’s ability to maintain its credibility and authority in the world of motorsport.

The Path Forward for the FIA

As the FIA enters a period of introspection, the organization will need to address the growing concerns about its governance and leadership. The calls for reform are louder than ever, and many believe that change is necessary to restore the FIA’s standing in the motorsport world.

Whether Ben Sulayem can weather the storm and retain his position as president will depend largely on how he responds to the mounting criticism and the internal upheaval. The future of the FIA—and the sport of motorsport as a whole—may depend on the reforms implemented in the coming months.