The FIA deputy president for sport Robert Reid has resigned from the Formula One governing body. He has made an almost direct attack on Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in a hard-hitting statement in which he said he was quitting over principles on which the body was based, as “decisions are being made behind closed doors”.
Robert Reid’s allegations against FIA leadershipRobert Reid is a 2001 World Rally Champion and was elected as the FIA deputy president for sport alongside Sulayem in 2021.
He said in his statement, "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. 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," he added.
In a similar statement shared on his X account, Reid said he took the decision to file his resignation after deep reflection. 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.”
Who is Mohammed Ben Sulayem?Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been making controversial decisions for quite some time, leaving many F1 drivers and teams uncomfortable. Reid is not the only one to go against Sulayem. Recently, Prodrive and Motorsport UK chairman David Pender Richards has also made similar allegations against Sulayem.
In the course of a few months, several FIA members have resigned or have been sacked over their differences with the FIA president. Among the many controversial rules made by him is one that includes heavy fines against F1 drivers for swearing.
Also Read: Motorsport executive David Richards charges at FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem over transparency failure in escalating leadership crisis
Sulayem is a former rally champion and comes from a wealthy Emirati family. He is a business graduate from the American University in Washington, D.C., and also holds an honorary Doctor of Science award for his sports and civic leadership.
Robert Reid’s allegations against FIA leadershipRobert Reid is a 2001 World Rally Champion and was elected as the FIA deputy president for sport alongside Sulayem in 2021.
He said in his statement, "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. 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," he added.
— Robert Reid (@robertreidwrc) April 10, 2025
In a similar statement shared on his X account, Reid said he took the decision to file his resignation after deep reflection. 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.”
Who is Mohammed Ben Sulayem?Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been making controversial decisions for quite some time, leaving many F1 drivers and teams uncomfortable. Reid is not the only one to go against Sulayem. Recently, Prodrive and Motorsport UK chairman David Pender Richards has also made similar allegations against Sulayem.
In the course of a few months, several FIA members have resigned or have been sacked over their differences with the FIA president. Among the many controversial rules made by him is one that includes heavy fines against F1 drivers for swearing.
Also Read: Motorsport executive David Richards charges at FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem over transparency failure in escalating leadership crisis
Sulayem is a former rally champion and comes from a wealthy Emirati family. He is a business graduate from the American University in Washington, D.C., and also holds an honorary Doctor of Science award for his sports and civic leadership.
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