FIA Deputy President Resigns, Cites Breakdown of Standards

Robert Reid, the deputy president of the FIA, has stepped down from his position with immediate effect, citing a “breakdown in standards” within the organisation in a statement released on Thursday.

Reid, who partnered with president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in a successful election campaign back in 2021, has served as the FIA’s second-in-command since then.

However, he has now decided to resign due to increasing frustrations with the governance of the FIA.

Commenting on his resignation, Reid, said in a statement: “When I took on this role, it was to serve the FIA’s members; not to serve power.”

“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,” he said.

In his resignation, the former world rally championship co-driver expressed concerns over “critical decisions being made without due process or proper consultation,” highlighting what he perceives as a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards.”

This resignation comes after Reid and David Richards, head of Motorsport UK, voiced their objections to the FIA’s recent changes to its statutes. Their departure from the FIA leadership is likely to generate significant discussion ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend.

Richards, who is currently in the Middle East, communicated his views in an open letter addressed to Motorsport UK members on Wednesday.

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