FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem is becoming increasingly unpopular among key figures in Formula 1 and within his own organisation including Robert Reid who has now walked away
FIA deputy president Robert Reid has announced his resignation. Reid, who has held that post since Mohammed ben Sulayem was elected as president of the FIA in 2021, said he was quitting over “a fundamental breakdown in governance standards within motorsport’s global governing body”.
His resignation is a significant blow to Ben Sulayem’s authority at a time in which his leadership is already under intense scrutiny. A series of controversies has alienated the likes of Formula 1 drivers and senior figures within the FIA, including now his deputy.
Reid, from Scotland, issued a statement on Thursday announcing his resignation. The timing of the announcement is significant, given this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix is the first F1 race of 2025 which will see Ben Sulayem in attendance.
In his statement Reid said: “When I took on this role, it was to serve the FIA’s members, not to serve power. Over time, I have witnessed a steady erosion of the principles we promised to uphold.
“Decisions are being made behind closed doors, bypassing the very structures and people the FIA exists to represent. My resignation is not about personalities; it is about principles.
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“Motorsport deserves leadership that is accountable, transparent, and member-driven. I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that does not reflect those values.”
Concerning to many within the FIA and member organisations was a series of rule changes which were pushed through last December without the opportunity for debate. And, recently, Reid was one of several members of the World Motor Sport Council [WMSC] who were not allowed entry into a meeting because they refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
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But it seems Ben Sulayem’s recent move to take over control of promotion of the World Rallycross Championship – a move which was made without approval of the WMSC or of the FIA’s own senate – was “the final breach of trust and due process” that Reid was prepared to overlook.
He added: “Stepping away was not easy, however staying would have meant compromising what I believe in. This is about principles, not politics. Motorsport deserves leadership rooted in integrity, accountability and respect for process. That’s the minimum standard we should all expect, and demand.”
Ben Sulayem’s first term as FIA president is up at the end of this year. The Emirati former rally driver is seeking re-election and, as it stands, is set to run unopposed, but it seems increasingly likely that there will be an opposition campaign later this year.
It had been suggested that Susie Wolff, the F1 Academy managing director and wife of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, could launch a presidential bid. However, she said last month that she has no current desire to become FIA president.
