Ex-CEO Warns of Crisis Within the FIA After Deputy President Resignation

Natalie Robyn, the former CEO of Formula One’s governing body, the FIA, has warned about the tricky situation within the organization, which threatens its credibility. Her statement comes hours after FIA’s deputy president for sport, Robert Reid, announced his resignation.

Reid sounded the alarm on how FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem was allegedly running the organization and stated that important decisions were being made “without due process or proper consultation.”

Now, Robyn has opened up for the first time since her resignation in May 2024. Speaking about the FIA, she told BBC Sport:

“During my tenure as CEO, I worked under challenging circumstances to strengthen the federation’s governance framework and upgrade its operational transparency.

“The resignation of the deputy president of sport clearly indicates there are serious ongoing structural challenges.

“When professional processes are not adhered to and stakeholders are excluded from decision-making, it undermines the foundation of a strong organisation.

“I am saddened to see these developments, as they threaten both the credibility and the long-term effectiveness of an important institution.”

Addressing her time with Reid, she said:

“I worked closely with Robert during my time at the FIA and I have a great deal of respect for him and of course his commitment to the future of motorsport.”

Newsweek Sports reported Reid’s comments after his resignation, which was reportedly triggered after the FIA decided to adopt in-house promotion of the World Rallycross Championship without obtaining approval from the FIA Senate, or the World Motorsport Council.

However, the World Motorsport Council has reportedly stated that all motorsport championships will depend on external promoters and follow a profitable business plan.

Reid described FIA’s step as “the final breach of trust and due process,” and even pointed out that it could attract “legal risk under the European Union competition law.”

Addressing the changes he witnessed within the FIA over time, Reid said:

“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 stressed that the FIA didn’t reflect accountability and transparency, which led him to part ways. He said:

“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.”

The FIA experienced several high-profile exits last year, such as former Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich and former technical director Tim Goss. While Robyn was believed to have resigned of her own will, her exit is said to have been forced following disagreements with Ben Sulayem.