April 10, (THEWILL) – The FIA Deputy President Robert Reid resigned on Thursday with pointed criticism directed at, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the head of motorsport’s governing body.
Reid stated he could “no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system” that had moved away from principles of transparency, stronger governance, and collaborative leadership.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Reid noted that motorsport “deserves leadership rooted in integrity, accountability, and respect for the process,” which he described as “the minimum standard we should all expect, and demand.”
The FIA responded with a statement defending its operations, claiming it maintains “exceptionally robust corporate governance policies.”
Reid, who helped Richard Burns win the 2001 World Rally Championship as co-driver, joins numerous other high-profile figures who have left the FIA since Ben Sulayem took the position in 2021.
These departures include the sporting director, Formula One technical director, and head of the women in motorsport commission.
Ben Sulayem’s tenure has been marked by multiple controversies, including criticism from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton regarding stereotypical language when discussing driver conduct on team radios.
The FIA’s crackdown on swearing has also created tension, with drivers Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc breaking rules in 2024 for using explicit language during press conferences.
The timing of Reid’s departure coincides with Formula One gathering in Bahrain for the fourth race of the 2025 season.
When guidelines were strengthened in January, drivers responded collectively, urging the FIA president to “consider his tone and language when talking to our member drivers,” adding that adults “do not need to be given instructions via the media, about matters as trivial as the wearing of jewellery or underpants.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
