FIA executive Reid resigns with immediate effect because of 'lack of standards'

11:16, 10 Apr

Updated: 11:36, 10 Apr

byKada Sarkozi

Robert Reid, who was the deputy president for sport at the FIA, has resigned from his position with immediate effect. Reid explains that he can no longer serve his role 'in good faith'.

"After deep reflection, I have made the difficult decision to resign as FIA Deputy President for Sport," he began.

"I took on this role to help deliver greater transparency, stronger governance, and more collaborative leadership. Over time, those principles have been increasingly 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. Motorsport deserves leadership rooted in integrity, accountability, and respect for process. That's the minimum standard we should all expect, and demand."

The Scotsman was a key ally of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem when the Emirati was elected in back 2021. Since then however, their relationship turned worse because of the controversies surrounding Ben Sulayem.

Reid was also among members excluded from an FIA meeting in February, after together with others he refused to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Reid also said he was experiencing a "growing alarm over critical decisions being made without due process or proper consultation," he added.

"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 present," he concluded.

This article was written in collaboration with Nicole Mulder