The FIA ​​announces a restructuring of its single-seater department

Significant reshuffle on the side of the FIA ​​and the Formula 1. The governing body of motorsport announced on Wednesday a restructuring of its department car. The position of athletic director was given to Steve Nielsen. Present in Formula 1 since 1986, the British engineer was notably sporting director at Benetton then Renault, Caterham, Toro Rosso et Williams. Since 2017, Nielsen has been sporting director of Formula 1 and is now moving to the FIA ​​side. He will be responsible for “oversee all sporting matters, including the continued development of the race control and remote operations center, as well as future updates to the Sporting Regulations. »

Tombazis promoted to FIA, Sicard director of strategy and operations

Another appointment, that of Nikolas Tombazis who becomes director of the single-seater department. The Greek, who has held the position of technical manager of the single-seater department since 2018, will therefore have a more important and transversal role within the FIA. He will notably be responsible for the sporting, technical, financial and operational directors. Tim Goss will take over the technical director role previously held by Tombazis, having worked as assistant since the start of the 2021 season.

Federico Lodi becomes Formula 1's new finance director, having led the FIA ​​Financial Regulations team since its inception. Finally, François Sicard will occupy a newly created position within the FIA ​​as director of Formula 1 strategy and operations. The Frenchman, former director of the DAMS team, will be “Responsible for long-term strategic planning, as well as key on-slope activities and logistics. »

A restructuring desired by Ben Sulayem

To restructure itself, the FIA ​​therefore made its market among Formula 1 personnel. “We have spent significant time and effort making meaningful and informed changes to our Formula 1 team to create the right structure with the right people to oversee the future regulation of the sport, said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. By developing and empowering people within our organization, as well as bringing in expertise and experience from outside, I am confident that we are in the best possible position to move forward with our partners of the FOM and the Formula 1 teams.”

“I have spent my professional life working for many teams and organizations in Formula 1, rejoiced Steve Nielsen, FIA sporting director. I look forward to embarking on a new chapter with the FIA. I would like to thank the President and Stefano Domenicali for the trust they have placed in me, and I understand and appreciate the unique challenges of being a regulator. Having worked closely with a number of people within the Federation over the years, I'm looking forward to the challenges that come their way – Formula 1 is in a great place at the moment, and that's our responsibility to ensure the future health of the sport which is at the heart of everything we do. »

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