Robert Reid resigns from FIA with parting shot at Mohammed Ben Sulayem

FIA deputy president Robert Reid criticizes lack of integrity and transparency in explosive resignation post.

Robert Reid, FIA Deputy President for Sport, attends a press conference during the unveiling of the 2024 Formula 2 car at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on August 31, 2023, in Monza, Italy. Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Robert Reid resigns from FIA, delivering a scathing critique of the organization’s current leadership and deepening the turmoil surrounding motorsport’s global governing body. The FIA’s deputy president made his resignation public on Thursday through a strongly worded Instagram post, calling out FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem for failing to uphold the values Reid claims were central to his mission within the federation.

"I took on this role to help deliver greater transparency, stronger governance and more collaborative leadership," Reid wrote. "Over time, those principles have been increasingly set aside and I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that no longer reflects them."

This public exit marks a striking escalation in the growing unrest within the FIA, which has seen a series of high-profile resignations and controversies since Ben Sulayem took the helm in 2021. Reid, who previously won the 2001 World Rally Championship as co-driver to Richard Burns, had served as deputy president for sport and was one of the key figures expected to steer the organization into a new era of modernized governance.

In his statement, Reid stopped just short of naming Ben Sulayem directly, but the target of his criticism was unmistakable. "Motorsport deserves leadership rooted in integrity, accountability, and respect for process," he said. "That's the minimum standard we should all expect, and demand."

A leadership crisis unfolding in the FIA

The announcement sent ripples across the motorsport world, not only because of Reid’s stature but also because of its timing. Formula One teams and stakeholders are currently gathered in Bahrain ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix, the fourth race in what has already been a dramatic 2025 season. The paddock was buzzing with reactions, with insiders expressing both surprise and concern over the latest sign of dysfunction at the sport’s highest level.

Reid’s comments add fuel to longstanding concerns about how the FIA is being run. Since Ben Sulayem assumed the presidency, several notable departures and controversies have clouded his administration. Critics say the federation has moved away from principles of transparency and accountability, with decision-making increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few individuals rather than guided by democratic and procedural norms.

Reid's resignation is seen by many as a red flag — a statement from someone deeply involved in the system who is now unwilling to lend it further credibility.

FIA responds with firm defense

Within hours of Reid’s announcement, the FIA issued a rebuttal, standing by its internal processes and defending its governance structure.

"The FIA has exceptionally robust corporate governance policies which guide our operations and ensure our rules, practices and processes are adhered to," the statement read. "We remain committed to the principles of fairness, accountability and transparency in all that we do."

But the words did little to quell growing speculation that something deeper is unraveling within the organization. The mounting resignations and fractures behind the scenes have made it difficult for the FIA to maintain a unified image, particularly at a time when Formula One is expanding rapidly across new markets and audiences.

Echoes of previous turmoil

Reid is not the first senior figure to walk away from the FIA under Ben Sulayem’s leadership. Over the past year, several prominent names have stepped down or voiced concern about the direction the federation is taking. These include respected legal advisors, sporting officials, and members of the internal ethics committee. While each case has its own context, a pattern has emerged — one that points to internal disagreement over leadership style and governance.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem is seen ahead of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on December 8, 2024. Photo by Jakub Porzycki/Nur

The departure of a figure like Robert Reid, who was widely regarded as a balanced and level-headed leader, underscores how deeply those concerns may run. It also places fresh pressure on Ben Sulayem, who has so far resisted calls for reform but may now face louder demands for change, especially from national sporting bodies and commercial partners invested in the sport’s reputation.

Reid’s rallying cry for integrity

Reid’s resignation also serves as a rallying cry. In his closing remarks, he emphasized what he sees as a fundamental requirement for leadership in motorsport: integrity. His message appears aimed not just at those within the FIA but at fans, drivers, and stakeholders across the motorsport world who expect their sport to be governed with fairness and transparency.

"Leadership in any form must reflect the values of those it serves," Reid concluded. "And when it stops doing so, we have a duty to speak out."

His words have resonated far beyond FIA headquarters, triggering a wave of support on social media and from former colleagues who praised his integrity and professionalism.

A pivotal moment for the FIA

What happens next could shape the future of motorsport governance. With Reid’s departure now public, questions are swirling over who might replace him and whether this incident could spark a broader shift in leadership or even internal elections.

Meanwhile, Formula One continues to surge in global popularity, driven by Netflix-era fandom and expansion into new territories. But that momentum could be threatened if the governing body behind it all fails to project unity and credibility.

As the 2025 season rolls on, the focus will return to the track — but the drama off it may prove just as consequential. For now, one thing is clear: Robert Reid’s resignation from the FIA has made waves that will not settle quickly.