FIA Deputy President Robert Reid Resigns, Citing Breakdown in Governance Ahead of Formula One Season Opener
Robert Reid has resigned from his position as Deputy President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body for Formula One and other motorsports.
His resignation comes just before the start of the 2025 Formula One season, with the Bahrain Grand Prix just around the corner, raising questions about the internal leadership of the FIA.
Reid, a former World Rally Championship co-driver, was elected alongside President Mohammed Ben Sulayem in 2021. Since then, he served as the FIA’s second-in-command but has decided to step down due to growing frustration with how the organization has been run.
In a statement released on Thursday, 10th April 2025, Reid pointed to a “breakdown in standards” within the FIA as the reason for his resignation. His departure follows a series of disagreements over recent changes to the FIA’s statutes, particularly after Reid and Motorsport UK Chairman David Richards opposed these changes, which they felt were made without proper consultation or due process.
“When I took on this role, it was to serve the FIA’s members; not to serve power,” Reid said in a statement. “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.”
— Robert Reid (@robertreidwrc) April 10, 2025
The resignation has raised eyebrows in the motorsport world, particularly as it comes just ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Ben Sulayem, who is expected to attend both Formula One meetings and the grand prix, has yet to publicly respond to Reid’s resignation. However, an FIA spokesperson confirmed that an official statement is being prepared.
Reid’s resignation follows similar concerns raised by Richards, who expressed in an open letter to Motorsport UK members that he believes the FIA leadership has experienced a “shift of the moral compass.” Richards has called for a conversation with Ben Sulayem to address these issues.
Ben Sulayem, who is expected to seek re-election as FIA President later this year, will likely face increased pressure to address these concerns from both within and outside the organization.