In recent months, the FIA has seen a notable exodus of high-ranking employees. What is happening within the global motorsport federation? Is there currently a crisis at the FIA? And what role does President Mohammed Ben Sulayem play in this? An overview of recent events paints a worrying picture.
Departure after Departure
The departures began in December of last year when Deborah Mayer, head of the FIA’s Women in Motorsport Commission, resigned from her position. Shortly thereafter, Sports Director Steve Nielsen and Technical Director for single-seaters Tim Goss also left the organization. In May, CEO Natalie Robyn stepped down after only 18 months in office. Most recently, both Race Director Niels Wittich and Compliance Officer Paolo Basarri have left the FIA, their departures occurring within days of each other. Wittich’s resignation, just three races before the end of the season, has caused much surprise within Formula 1.
Known and Unknown Reasons
The reasons for these departures are clear in some cases, less so in others. Nielsen and Goss voluntarily chose to leave. Robyn reportedly left her role ‘by mutual agreement’, although insiders know that she was dismissed at the insistence of Ben Sulayem.
Wittich confirmed to the BBC, “I can confirm that I have been fired. It was not my decision to leave Formula 1.” The FIA has not communicated anything about Basarri’s departure, but sources confirm that he too has effectively been dismissed.
Controversies Continue to Mount
These personnel changes add to a series of controversies that have arisen since Ben Sulayem became president in 2021. These include a dispute over drivers wearing jewelry and the correct underwear, a looming legal battle with Formula 1 over Ben Sulayem’s statements about the sport’s market value, and an ongoing lawsuit filed by Susie Wolff over a peculiar case of conflict of interest.
In addition, the recent open letter from the drivers, in which they expressed their frustrations about the controversy surrounding swearing, left little to the imagination regarding their opinion of Ben Sulayem’s leadership. While there are many concerns within Formula 1 about his leadership style, few involved dare to speak out openly. Ben Sulayem was elected by the members of the FIA and therefore seems untouchable for direct action from Formula 1. However, the question remains: how long can the FIA continue to function under his leadership, while there now appears to be a crisis?
