FIA deputy president Reid resigns over "breakdown of governance standards"

FIA deputy president for sport Robert Reid has announced he has resigned from the motor racing governing body with immediate effect, citing a "breakdown of governance standards".

Reid, who held the role of second in command at the FIA since being elected in 2021, announced he has informed president Mohammed Ben Sulayem on Thursday morning he will relinquish his position.

Reid said he has been alarmed by what he called "critical decisions being made without due process" in the wake of Ben Sulayem shaking up how the organisation is run.

“When I took on this role, it was to serve the FIA’s members; not to serve power,” Reid said in a statement. “Over time, I have witnessed a steady erosion of the principles we promised to uphold. Decisions are being made behind closed doors, bypassing the very structures and people the FIA exists to represent.

"My resignation is not about personalities; it is about principles. Motorsport deserves leadership that is accountable, transparent, and member-driven. I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that does not reflect those values.”

Alexander Wurz, Robert Reid, Deputy President for Sport of the FIA

Photo by: DPPI

The statement also said Reid "expressed growing alarm over critical decisions being made without due process or proper consultation, both internally and with FIA members and the FIA governance bodies; Senate and World Motor Sport Council."

Along with Motorsport UK chairman David Richards, Reid was one of two members barred from the latest gathering of the FIA World Motor Sport Council over his refusal to sign a non-disclosure agreement imposed by Ben Sulayem.

Richards has also been critical of the FIA president's leadership decisions, citing there is a "a shift of the moral compass" of the president.

Former WRC co-driver Reid called on FIA member clubs and stakeholders to "demand greater accountability from the federation’s leadership".

"The FIA is grateful for Robert Reid’s contribution to the FIA, and to motor sport more widely," an FIA spokesperson stated.

"The FIA has exceptionally robust corporate governance policies which guide our operations and ensure our rules, practices and processes are adhered to.

"The FIA World Rallycross Championship is a hugely popular sport. In recent years, World and European Rallycross events have been watched by a growing audience of over 30 million viewers spanning over 100 countries.

"The FIA has directly invested into the Championship for the benefit of fans, teams, and FIA Member Clubs. This investment is in line with the FIA's commitment to double participation in motor sport globally."