By Joe Murphy
Robert Reid, the FIA’s deputy president for sport, has stepped down, citing a breakdown in the organization’s standards.
This resignation marks the latest in a series of high-profile departures from the FIA over the past 18 months, with Reid’s exit seemingly linked to tensions with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Reid, who had been serving as deputy president since Ben Sulayem’s election at the end of 2021, expressed dissatisfaction in his resignation letter, stating it was a response to what he described as a deterioration of core principles within the FIA.
“When I accepted this role, I did so to serve the FIA’s members, not to uphold the interests of power,” Reid wrote in a letter obtained by Sky Sports News. “I have watched as essential values have gradually been eroded. Decisions are being made in secrecy, bypassing the very structures and individuals the FIA was created to represent.”
Reid emphasized that his departure was not about personal conflicts but rather a matter of principle. “Motorsport needs leadership that is accountable, transparent, and driven by its members. I cannot, in good conscience, remain within an organization that no longer reflects these values.”
The FIA has seen a series of senior resignations in recent months, with key figures leaving including the sporting director, F1 technical director, digital director, head of commercial legal affairs, race director, and others. The most notable departures last year were race director Niels Wittich and chief steward Tim Mayer, who were effectively dismissed in November.
In response to Reid’s resignation, an FIA representative issued a statement expressing gratitude for his contributions to both the FIA and the wider motorsport world. The statement also defended the organization’s governance policies, claiming they are robust and ensure adherence to rules and best practices.
The FIA’s statement also responded to Reid’s criticism regarding the decision to take the World Rallycross Championship in-house without consulting the FIA Senate or the World Motor Sport Council. The FIA maintained that the championship remains extremely popular, with growing viewership in excess of 30 million across over 100 countries. The organization also emphasized its direct investment in the championship, stating that this aligns with its commitment to growing global motorsport participation.
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