The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is grappling with an escalating internal crisis after Robert Reid, the Deputy President for Sport, resigned due to what he called a “fundamental breakdown in governance” and the making of critical decisions “without due process.” His resignation is the latest in a series of high-profile departures and intensifies mounting criticism of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Internal Unrest and Leadership Criticism

Reid’s decision to step down came just a day after David Richards, the chair of Motorsport UK, issued a public letter highlighting concerns about the FIA’s lack of transparency and the consolidation of power around Ben Sulayem. Richards warned that these issues were undermining the integrity of the organization.

Adding to the growing discontent, former FIA CEO Natalie Robyn, who left the position in 2024 amid reported disagreements with Ben Sulayem, voiced similar concerns. Robyn described the current structure of the FIA as a serious threat to its credibility.

In addition to these organizational challenges, the FIA’s leadership has faced increased backlash from drivers. Formula 1 driver George Russell, speaking on the instability within the FIA, stated that the current turmoil is “unsurprising” and added that the FIA seems increasingly disconnected from the sport’s stakeholders, including drivers, teams, and fans.

Ben Sulayem’s Controversial Leadership

Since taking office, Ben Sulayem’s leadership has been fraught with controversy. Some of the most notable issues include:

• Clashes with Drivers: Ben Sulayem has sparked tensions with drivers over his stance on jewelry and speech restrictions, resulting in a backlash from the F1 community.
• Sexism Accusations: Past comments from Ben Sulayem have led to accusations of sexism, further straining relationships within the motorsport community.
• Conflict of Interest Investigation: The FIA briefly investigated a potential conflict of interest involving prominent figures Susie and Toto Wolff, though the investigation was discontinued and legal action is now underway.
• Tensions with F1’s Commercial Owners: Ben Sulayem’s governance has been criticized for causing friction with F1’s commercial owners, especially regarding financial arrangements and the handling of key decisions.
• Internal Whistleblowing and Ethics Complaints: The FIA has faced internal whistleblowing and ethics complaints, with investigators reportedly dismissed after conducting probes into these concerns.

These controversies have contributed to a growing sense of instability within the organization, and Reid’s resignation is a significant blow to Ben Sulayem’s leadership.

A Long List of Departures

Reid’s resignation is part of a larger pattern of departures within the FIA, including several senior figures such as Robyn, Tim Goss, Steve Nielsen, Deborah Mayer, and two high-ranking audit officials. This wave of exits has raised serious concerns about the governance of the FIA and its ability to function effectively under Ben Sulayem’s leadership.

As Ben Sulayem prepares for re-election in December 2025, the situation at the FIA remains precarious. Despite these mounting issues, Ben Sulayem is still set to run for re-election without any opposition.

Reid’s Statement and the Growing Pressure for Reform

In his resignation statement, Reid expressed deep disappointment with the current state of the FIA, stating:
“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.” His comments resonate with a growing chorus of voices calling for significant reforms within the organization.

In response, the FIA thanked Reid for his service but reiterated its commitment to its “robust governance policies.” However, as the pressure for reform continues to mount, many within the motorsport community are questioning whether Ben Sulayem’s leadership can survive much longer.

The Path Ahead for the FIA

With the leadership crisis deepening and several key figures exiting, the future of the FIA remains uncertain. Stakeholders across the motorsport world are calling for more transparency, accountability, and a leadership overhaul. Whether these demands will lead to significant changes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the pressure on President Ben Sulayem and the FIA is reaching a boiling point.

As the situation unfolds, the FIA must address its internal turmoil and regain the trust of its members and stakeholders. If not, it risks further erosion of its credibility and authority within the global motorsport community.