The world of international motorsport is going through a real internal storm. The International Automobile Federation (FIA), led by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, is under scrutiny due to a series of resignations and accusations that question its transparency and the way decisions are being made.
Robert Reid’s Resignation
The first major shake-up came with the resignation of Robert Reid on April 10th, the FIA’s vice president, who openly spoke about a “fundamental collapse of governance standards.” Reid, a historic figure considered Ben Sulayem’s ‘right-hand man’ since his election in 2021, stated that he could no longer be part of a system where “decisions are made behind closed doors, excluding the people and structures that the FIA exists to represent.” His words quickly spread across the paddock, especially following the amendments to the FIA’s statutes at the end of the 2024 General Assembly, which many viewed as a move to centralize power in the hands of President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, with insufficient oversight from other members.
Natalie Robyn Breaks Her Silence a Year After Her Resignation
Strengthening Reid’s concerns was Natalie Robyn, the former CEO of the FIA, who spoke publicly for the first time since her resignation in May 2024. At the time, the FIA had announced that she had left “by mutual agreement,” as Robyn was seeking new opportunities. However, she now clarifies that her departure was forced due to strong disagreements with Ben Sulayem: “During my tenure, I tried to improve transparency and strengthen governance. But when stakeholders are excluded and professional processes are ignored, the entire structure of the organization is put at risk,” she said in an interview with the BBC. Robyn also expressed great respect for Reid, with whom she worked closely, and voiced concerns about the direction the FIA is taking.
Ben Sulayem’s Actions Are Also Questioned Legally
The problems don’t end there. Some of President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s decisions, such as taking direct control of the World Rallycross Championship without going through the FIA Senate or the World Motorsport Council (the internal bodies that should approve decisions), have raised legal concerns. According to Reid, this move could violate European competition laws and contradict past agreements made by the FIA to avoid conflicts of interest. “When I accepted this position, I did so to serve the members of the FIA, not to serve power. Over time, I have witnessed a progressive weakening of the principles we promised to uphold,” Reid stated. Furthermore, Paolo Basarri, the head of internal compliance who had investigated Ben Sulayem’s alleged interference in two races during the 2023 season, was dismissed last November. This has fueled the sense of a non-transparent and tense atmosphere within the federation.
Another Case Involving Susie Wolff
Another case is that of Susie Wolff, director of the F1 Academy and wife of Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff, who in March 2024 filed a lawsuit against the FIA over an investigation from December 2023 into a potential conflict of interest, which was initiated and then closed in just two days.
George Russell and Motorsport UK President David Richards: “It’s Time for Change”
Mercedes driver George Russell and representative of the drivers through the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association commented on the situation on April 10th, calling Reid’s departure “a real shame” and asking for more stability within the FIA. The same sentiment was echoed by David Richards, president of Motorsport UK, who in an open letter spoke of “a deviation from the moral compass” of the FIA. Following these statements, Richards and other representatives were excluded from some meetings after refusing to sign confidentiality agreements, a move seen by many as an attempt to silence suspicions surrounding the FIA system.
A New Name for the Vice Presidency: Malcolm Wilson
Amid this storm, President Ben Sulayem has tried to show stability by nominating Malcolm Wilson as his preferred candidate for the role left vacant by Reid. Wilson is no ordinary name: a former rally driver, founder of M-Sport, and a key figure behind Ford’s success in the World Rally Championship, he is seen as a man of great experience.
“Malcolm has had a brilliant career and will bring tremendous value to the FIA,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Wilson himself expressed honor at the nomination: “I started my motorsport career in the 1970s and am ready to support the FIA during this crucial moment. It’s an exciting time for our sport, and I want to help bring it to new generations and a wider audience.” FIA members will vote on his appointment in June during an extraordinary assembly in Macau. All of this is happening at a very delicate time: Ben Sulayem’s mandate expires in December 2025, and while he currently has no official rivals, there are reports that someone is preparing a campaign to run against him, according to the BBC.
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