FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
In a shocking turn of events, FIA deputy president Robert Reid has resigned from his position over what he calls a breakdown in the organisation's governance.
Reid, a former rally champion, put out a statement on Thursday, saying his decision was a matter of principle. This follows reports about the authoritarian style leadership within the FIA which has created factional lines.
The resignation and announcement has only drawn up more speculation about the inner dynamics of the FIA under president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“I took this role to help deliver greater transparency, stronger governance and more collaborative leadership,” Reid wrote in a statement.
"Over time, those principles have increasingly been set aside and I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that no longer reflects them. Stepping away was not easy, however, staying would have meant compromising what I believe in. This is about principles, not politics,"
Reid is not the first high ranking FIA official to leave the organisation, as Sulayem opponents within the body have allegedly been fired for standing against the Emirati. Renowned steward Tim Mayer was also sacked from his job.
Sulayem and his senate of FIA leaders grew in power after the entity's general assembly in Rwanda last year, where he effectively gained control over decision making involving ethical complaints or complaints against themselves.
But the storm inside the FIA is no coincidence, however, as presidential elections are around the corner with Sulayem no doubt hunting a second term at the helm.
His leadership style has been criticised though, not just from within the FIA, but from F1 drivers as well. Sulayem’s stance against profane language and even the use of jewellery by drivers has been too firm, according to critics.
This directly contradicts the sport of F1, a grand spectacle with flamboyant personalities all chasing glory.