A man with sunglasses and a white jersey is standing on a racetrack with metal structures and buildings in the background. — The FIA's second-in-command resigned from his position | La Derecha Diario

Camara — The FIA's second-in-command resigned from his position | La Derecha Diario

Formula 1: the FIA's vice president resigned due to the organization's poor management

Robert Reid submitted his resignation with immediate effect and published a statement on X explaining the reasons for his decision

10/04/2025 16:38:00h

Editorial Team

Robert Reid, who until now served as FIA vice president since 2021, announced his departure from the position through his personal account on X. In his post, he launched harsh criticisms toward the current functioning of the organization and denounced a "breach of governance rules" and that his colleagues are "serving power".

Text on a gray background where Robert Reid announces his resignation as FIA Vice President of Sport, citing a lack of alignment with his principles of transparency, governance, and collaborative leadership, and emphasizing the importance of integrity and accountability in motorsport leadership.

Reid's post on X | La Derecha Diario

In his message, the British expressed his deep concern about the direction the institution has taken, especially sinceMohammed Ben Sulayem assumed the presidency. He stated that "critical decisions are being made without due process", ignoring established procedures.

"When I took this position, I did it to serve the FIA members, not to serve power. Over time, I have witnessed a constant erosion of the principles we promised to uphold. Decisions are made behind closed doors, bypassing the structures and the people the FIA is supposed to represent," Reid expressed in his post.

A man in a suit and tie at a FIA event with a blue background.

Reid was very critical of the management within the FIA | La Derecha Diario

In another part of the text, he added that his decision is not due to personal issues but ethical ones: "My resignation is not about personalism, but about principles. Motorsport deserves responsible, transparent leadership directed by its members. I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that doesn't reflect those values".

"I feel alarmed by the critical decisions being made without due process or proper consultation, both internally and with the FIA members and governing bodies; the Senate and the World Motor Sport Council," the statement would close.

It is worth remembering that Reid, along with David Richards (president of Motorsport UK), had been excluded from the last FIA World Council meeting for refusing to sign a confidentiality agreement proposed by Ben Sulayem, which had already caused strong internal tensions.

What does Reid's departure imply?

This resignation represents a direct blow to Mohammed Ben Sulayem's leadership, who loses one of the most influential leaders within the FIA, and to the foundations of the organization. To make matters worse, his departure is just in a key year ahead of the elections where he seeks to renew his mandate.

A group of people conversing outdoors, one of them wearing traditional Arab attire and the other two dressed in casual warm clothing.

Sulayem's continuity at the helm of the FIA could be affected | La Derecha Diario

The next president will be elected by the FIA General Assembly, the same one that recently approved, with 75% support, the controversial modification of the liability statutes that sparked criticism in various sectors.

This body is composed of member clubs and sports authorities from 245 entities distributed in 149 countries, all with the same voting weight. Within that body, Reid had strong influence, especially due to his closeness with national federations.

The General Assembly usually encourages its president to maintain the support of the smaller federations, whichcould complicate the European opposition's strategy against Ben Sulayem. Even so, Reid's departure presents a new political scenario within international motorsport.

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