Another FIA executive is set to leave the battlefield – following the likes of race director Niels Wittich and steward Tim Mayer, road racing director Andrew Wheatley has now reportedly announced his resignation. The governing body has come under fire several times in recent months, partly due to controversial penalties in Formula 1 and the position of chairman Ben Sulayem.
According to the German Autosport, Andrew Wheatley is stepping down, although little is known about the reason for his departure. Wheatley joined the FIA in 2019 as manager of the WRC racing class. In 2022, he was promoted to rally director, after which he was appointed this year as director of all road sports represented by the FIA. It is unclear who will fill this position in 2025.
Exodus
Andrew Wheatley is the latest high-ranking FIA official to leave. In a short period of time, the governing body also bid farewell to Formula 2 race director Janette Tan and race steward Tim Mayer. In addition, race director Niels Wittich was replaced by Rui Marques in the middle of the Formula 1 season. This exodus raises many questions among both fans and teams. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff compared the ongoing shifts within the organization to ‘a reality show’ and called for more transparency.
Meanwhile, chairman Mohammed Ben Sulayem is increasingly under pressure. According to sources, the Emirati is said to be interfering too much with the regulations in Formula 1. Reportedly, a vote will soon be held on a proposal that would give him even more power within the organization. Ben Sulayem is meanwhile preparing for an election campaign for a second term as FIA president.
