The problems for FIA has deepen after deputy president Robert Reid announced his resignation citing diluting principles due to ongoing governance.
The list of personnel leaving the FIA has increased to add another person. But this time it is the deputy president Reid, who has resigned from his post. The reason being dilution of his principles due to the ongoing governance or lack of it.
Some of the sweeping changes brought in by Mohammed Ben Sulayem has found resistance, especially from the Motorsport UK arm, led by David Richards. They are the group within the FIA, who refused to sign a strict NDA last year.
It was reported that they feared higher power for president – Sulayem in this case – which will diminish transparency and collaborative leadership. Reid cited lack of these principles that pushed him to resign, noting about diminishing standards.
“After deep reflection, I have made the difficult decision to resign as FIA Deputy President for Sport,” Reid wrote in a statement. “I took on this role to help deliver greater transparency, stronger governance, and more collaborative leadership. Over time, those principles have been increasingly set aside and I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that no longer reflects them.
“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.”
The news comes at a time when Sulayem is facing flak from most quarters. The president has stayed away from F1 side this year as well, but is expected to be at Bahrain to take part in the discussions about V10 power units with the manufacturers.
In the meantime, Motorsport UK has remained transparent in its business, in terms of back and forth dialogue it is having with the FIA in their ongoing tussle. Here’s it in full: https://www.motorsportuk.org/motorsport-uk-and-fia-correspondence-update/
UPDATE: The FIA has acknowledged Reid’s resignation. They are grateful for his contribution, while noting the advancements that the governing body has done in these past few years. They also added about investment made to run the Rallycross series too.
“The FIA is grateful for Robert Reid’s contribution to the FIA, and to motor sport more widely,” it said. “The FIA has exceptionally robust corporate governance policies which guide our operations and ensure our rules, practices and processes are adhered to. The FIA World Rallycross Championship is a hugely popular sport.
“In recent years, World and European Rallycross events have been watched by a growing audience of over 30 million viewers spanning over 100 countries. The FIA has directly invested into the Championship for the benefit of fans, teams, and FIA Member Clubs. This investment is in line with the FIA’s commitment to double participation in motor sport globally.”
Here’s F1, Liberty Media getting dragged in NASCAR lawsuit
Here’s F1 drivers on FIA talks about swearing
Here’s F1 drivers, team bosses on V10
Here’s F1 team bosses on new movie
Here’s F1 25 game detail
