Mercedes’ George Russell warns of FIA instability after deputy president quits

MANAMA – Mercedes driver George Russell voiced concern about instability at Formula One’s governing body after Robert Reid quit as the International Automobile Federation (FIA) deputy president for sport on April 10 in a row over governance.

Reid, a Scot and world championship-winning former rally co-driver, had been a prominent member of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s team before he and Motorsport UK boss David Richards clashed with the Emirati over statute changes.

Ben Sulayem is expected to seek re-election for a further four years in December and currently has no declared opponent, although there has been speculation about one emerging.

Richards, a powerful figure in motor racing as a former F1 and rally team boss as well as ex-chairman of Aston Martin and 1981 world rally champion co-driver, is 72 and ineligible due to his age.

Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, said he was sad to see the departure of Reid, 59, who had written to explain his actions.

“Unfortunately, every time we hear some news from that side of the sport, it’s not really a big surprise. It’s like, what’s next? So, yes, it is a shame to see, and hopefully we get more stability sooner than later,” he told reporters at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

“Ultimately, you get to a point now where these things are happening so often, as drivers we were trying to get involved in the past and it didn’t really make much headroom, and things seem to continuously be going in an unstable direction. I’ve got to be honest, we are getting to a point now where our actions are having little impact with those guys.”

Reid, who was co-driver to the late 2001 world rally champion Richard Burns, is the latest in a list of senior departures from the FIA that includes former chief executive Natalie Robyn.

“The resignation of the deputy president of sport clearly indicates there are serious ongoing structural challenges. I am saddened to see these developments, as they threaten both the credibility and the long-term effectiveness of an important institution,” Robyn told the BBC.

Reid said in his resignation statement that he “took on this role to help deliver greater transparency, stronger governance and more collaborative leadership” but instead had witnessed a “steady erosion” of principles he had promised to uphold.

“Decisions are being made behind closed doors, bypassing the very structures and people the FIA exists to represent,” he said.

“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,” he added.

The FIA thanked Reid for his contribution and said it had “exceptionally robust corporate governance policies” in place to ensure rules, practices and processes were adhered to.

Ben Sulayem is due to attend F1 meetings and this season’s fourth grand prix at Sakhir, with Richards also expected to be in the paddock and seeking a meeting.

Reid’s resignation follows only a day after Richards wrote an open letter to Motorsport UK members referring to “a shift of the moral compass” at the FIA leadership.

Ben Sulayem’s time at the helm of motor racing has been dogged by controversy.

The 63-year-old faced criticism for his clampdown on drivers over issues such as swearing and wearing jewellery, as well as historic comments about women.

Under his watch, the FIA is now being sued by Susie Wolff, the director of the all-female series the F1 Academy, after the body launched a conflict of interest enquiry into Wolff and her husband Toto, the team principal of Mercedes, which was then dropped after only two days. REUTERS