FIA Deputy President for Sport Robert Reid resigned today, launching a scathing attack on Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s leadership.
Reid started his journey in motorsport as a rally co-driver. He drove alongside fellow Scots such as the McRae family. He eventually found success with Richard Burns. Winning 10 World Rally Championship (WRC) rallies, he also took 34 podiums, 277 stage wins and a WRC title in 2001.
Burns was diagnosed with a brain tumour and Reid supported him through his journey. Burns passed away in 2005, with Reid retiring after.
Reid started working for the FIA, first in rallying as Vice-President of the WRC Commission and as the Chair of WRC Stewards. He became Chair of the International Sporting Code Review Commission.
Following Jean Todt’s departure as FIA President and Graham Stoker’s departure as FIA Deputy President for Sport in 2021, Mohammed Ben Sulayem became FIA President with Reid becoming Deputy President for Sport.
A loss of confidence in leadership has led FIA Deputy President for Sport to resign
Reid posted a statement on his social media channels explaining his views on the FIA’s current leadership.
“After deep reflection, I have made the difficult decision to resign as FIA Deputy President for Sport.
“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.”
According to the BBC, Reid has also stated 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.”
Reid’s statements and departure comes after FIA steward Johnny Herbert left his post by ‘mutual consent’ with the FIA.
