Robert Reid resigns from his post at the FIA

The Scotsman joined the FIA ​​in 2021, as part of the team newly appointed by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who was elected FIA President that same year. While he was a key figure in Ben Sulayem's team, relations with the latter had become strained in recent months for Robert Reid. He criticized the management team, which has been in place since 2021, in a press release published this Thursday.

“We are increasingly alarmed that crucial decisions are being made without due process or proper consultation. When I took office, it was to serve the FIA ​​membership, not those in power. Over time, I have witnessed a steady erosion of the principles we promised to uphold. Decisions are being made behind closed doors, without regard for the structures and people the FIA ​​is designed to represent. Leaving the FIA ​​is not easy, but staying would mean compromising what I truly believe in. This is about principles, not politics. Motor sport deserves governance based on integrity, accountability, and respect for process. This is the minimum standard we should all expect and demand.”

Reid resigns, Richards angers

Reid's resignation comes amid tensions surrounding Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Changes made to the FIA's statutes last December were criticized by several presidents of FIA member automobile associations. David Richards, head of Motorsport UK, was the most vocal critic of Ben Sulayem's management. He also indicated in an open letter to the FIA ​​on Wednesday that he continued to have doubts about another decision taken by the world motorsport governing body: to require certain executives to sign confidentiality agreements.

"My current issue is the requirement to sign an amended confidentiality agreement that does not contain a clear procedure for assessing a breach or an independent process in the event of a dispute.", Richards says in his letter. "I stand by what I said, namely that this is in fact a 'gag order,' but Alberto Villareal, the FIA's CEO, simply brushes these points aside. Furthermore, the subsequent action to exclude me from the World Motor Sport Council meeting is contrary to the FIA's statutes and illegal under French law."

Robert Reid was also excluded from the same meeting that David Richards refers to. Both men had refused to sign the confidentiality agreement required by the FIA.

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