Robert Reid: FIA deputy president for sport resigns after ‘requirements breakdown’ and falling out with Mohammed Ben Sulayem | F1 Information

The FIA’s deputy president for sport Robert Reid has resigned, citing a “requirements breakdown” in Method 1’s governing physique.

It’s the newest in a collection of senior resignations on the FIA within the final 18 months, with Reid showing to have fallen out with president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Reid has been deputy president since Ben Sulayem, who’s attending his first F1 race this weekend on the Bahrain Grand Prix, was elected on the finish of 2021.

“After I took on this function, it was to serve the FIA’s members; to not serve energy,” Reid stated in a resignation letter seen by Sky Sports activities Information.

“Over time, I’ve witnessed a gentle erosion of the ideas we promised to uphold. Selections are being made behind closed doorways, bypassing the very buildings and other people the FIA exists to symbolize.

“My resignation isn’t about personalities; it’s about ideas. Motorsport deserves management that’s accountable, clear and member-driven. I can now not, in good religion, stay a part of a system that doesn’t replicate these values.”

Final 12 months, a number of senior figures parted methods with the FIA, together with its sporting director, F1 technical director, digital director, head of economic authorized affairs, governance and regulatory director, race director, the pinnacle of the ladies in motorsport fee, secretary basic of mobility and director of communications.

Most notable had been race director Niels Wittich and main steward Tim Mayer successfully being sacked final November.

In a press release responding to Reid’s resignation, an FIA spokesperson stated: “The FIA is grateful for Robert Reid’s contribution to the FIA and to motor sport extra broadly.

“The FIA has exceptionally sturdy company governance insurance policies which information our operations and guarantee our guidelines, practices and processes are adhered to.”

The FIA’s assertion additionally addressed Reid’s criticism of the organisation’s “current unilateral resolution to internalise and promote the World Rallycross Championship” with out approval or session with the FIA senate or World Motor Sport Council.

The FIA stated: “The FIA World Rallycross Championship is a vastly common sport. Lately, World and European Rallycross occasions have been watched by a rising viewers of over 30 million viewers spanning over 100 nations. 



“The FIA has straight invested into the Championship for the advantage of followers, groups, and FIA Member Golf equipment. This funding is consistent with the FIA’s dedication to double participation in motor sport globally.”

Former CEO reveals challenges at FIA

Former FIA chief government Natalie Robyn has spoken out on F1’s governing physique for the primary time after leaving her function in Might 2024.

“Throughout my tenure as CEO, I labored below difficult circumstances to strengthen the federation’s governance framework and improve its operational transparency,” she advised BBC Sport.

“The resignation of the deputy president of sport clearly signifies there are critical ongoing structural challenges.

“When skilled processes usually are not adhered to and stakeholders are excluded from decision-making, it undermines the muse of a powerful organisation.

“I’m saddened to see these developments, as they threaten each the credibility and the long-term effectiveness of an essential establishment.”

What is going on on the FIA?

Ben Sulayem has been surrounded by controversy over the past 12 months after an FIA whistle-blower accused him of interfering with the end result of the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The 63-year-old was additionally accused of telling FIA officers to not certify the circuit for the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Each claims had been dismissed.

He was criticised by Lewis Hamilton for utilizing stereotypical language when he made a comparability to rappers in an interview, the place he spoke about desirous to see much less foul language on the staff radio. The FIA declined to remark on the time.

In December, the FIA voted by controversial rule modifications that might successfully restrict the methods through which its management might be held accountable.

The modifications meant the FIA ethics committee will solely perform an preliminary evaluation to find out whether or not an in-depth investigation is critical. FIA president Ben Sulayem and the president of the senate, Carmelo Sanz De Barros, could have the facility to resolve whether or not to take additional motion on any ethics complaints.

The FIA can also be being sued by F1 Academy director Susie Wolff after a battle of curiosity inquiry into her and husband Toto Wolff in December 2023, which was deserted after two days.

Motorsport UK chairman David Richards can also be in dispute with Ben Sulayem, who’s up for re-election and presently unopposed.

Sky Sports activities F1’s Bahrain GP schedule

Friday April 11

• 8.50am: F3 Follow
• 10am: F2 Follow
• 12pm: Bahrain GP Follow One (session begins at 12.30pm)*
• 1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
• 2.40pm: F2 Qualifying
• 3.35pm: Bahrain GP Follow Two (session begins at 4pm)
• 5.15pm: The F1 Present

Saturday April 12

• 11.10am: F3 Dash Race
• 1.15pm: Bahrain GP Follow Three (session begins at 1.30pm)
• 3.10pm: F2 Dash
• 4.10pm: Bahrain GP Qualifying build-up
• 5pm: BAHRAIN GP QUALIFYING
• 7pm: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book

Sunday April 13

• 10.50am: F3 Function Race
• 12.20pm: F2 Function Race
• 2.30pm: Bahrain GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday
• 4pm: THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
• 6pm: Bahrain GP response: Chequered Flag
• 7pm: Ted’s Pocket book

*additionally dwell on Sky Sports activities Predominant Occasion

Method 1 continues its triple-header in Sakhir on the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend, dwell on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime