The FIA sports vice president has resigned, citing the “decay of standards” for Formula 1 governing bodies.
This is the latest in a string of senior resignations at the FIA in the past 18 months, with Reid appearing to have dropped out with President Mohammed Ben Slime.
Reed has been vice president since Ben Slayem, who attended his first Formula One race at Bahrain Grampuri this weekend, was elected at the end of 2021.
“When I took on this role, it was about serving FIA members, not serving power,” Reed said in a resignation letter seen by Sky Sports News.
“As time passed, I have witnessed a steady erosion of the principles we have promised to support. The decisions are made behind closed doors and bypass the structures and people that the FIA exists to represent.
“My resignation is not about personality. It’s about principles. Motorsport deserves accountable, transparent and member-led leadership. It cannot remain part of a system that does not reflect these values in sincerity.”
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Last year, several seniors split from the FIA, including sports director, F1 technical director, director of commercial law, governance and regulatory director, race director, race director, head of the Motorsports committee, secretary of mobility and communications director.
Most notably, he led race director Neil Swittich and Steward Tim Mayer, who was effectively fired last November.
In a statement in response to Reid’s resignation, a FIA spokesman said:
“FIA has a very robust corporate governance policy that guides our operations and ensures that our rules, practices and processes are adhered to.”
Image: FIA is the governing body of F1
The FIA statement also addresses Reid’s criticism of the recent unilateral decision to internalize and promote the world’s rallycross championships without approval or consultation with the FIA Senator or the World Motorsports Council.
The FIA stated: “The FIA World Rallycross Championship is a very popular sport. In recent years, rallycross events across the world and Europe have been viewed by over 30 million viewers across more than 100 countries.
“FIA has invested directly in the Championship for the benefit of fans, teams and FIA member clubs. This investment is in line with FIA’s commitment to double participation in motorsports globally.”
Former CEO reveals challenges at the FIA
Former FIA CEO Natalie Robin spoke for the first time about Formula 1 governing body after leaving her role in May 2024.
“During my tenure as CEO, I worked under challenging circumstances to strengthen the federal governance framework and upgrade operational transparency,” she told BBC Sport.
“The resignation of the Vice President of Sports clearly shows that there are serious, continuing structural challenges.
“If professional processes are not adhered to and stakeholders are removed from decision-making, the foundation of a strong organization is hampered.
“We are saddened to see these developments because they threaten both the reliability and long-term effectiveness of key institutions.”
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In last year’s “unprecedented” situation, all 20 F1 drivers criticized – via the Grand Prix Driver Association – FIA President Mohamed Bensreim for his reaction to Saga of the recent oath
What’s going on with the FIA?
Ben Slayem has been surrounded by controversy for the past 12 months after accusing the FIA whistleblower of accusing him of thwarting the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix outcome.
The 63-year-old was accused of telling FIA officials that he would not certify the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit. Both claims were denied.
He was criticized by Lewis Hamilton for using stereotypical language when comparing him to rappers in interviews. The FIA declined to comment at the time.
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Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater explains how the FIA Ethics Committee proposal will affect future Formula 1 investigations
In December, the FIA voted through a controversial rule change that effectively limits the way its leadership is held accountable.
The change meant that the FIA Ethics Committee would conduct an initial assessment to determine whether a detailed investigation was required. FIA President Ben Suleim and Senate Speaker Carmelo Sants de Barros have the power to decide whether to take further action on ethical complaints.
The FIA was also sued in December 2023 by F1 Academy Director Susie Wolf, after an investigation into conflicts of interest over her husband and husband Totowolf. This was abandoned two days later.
Motorsport UK Chairman David Richards is ready for reelection and is also competing with Ben Sulayem, who is currently unopposed.
Sky Sports F1 Bahrain GP Schedule
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Sky Sports F1 Martin Brantle explains how to win Bahrain Granpuri
Friday, April 11th
8:50am: F3 Practice 10am: F2 Practice 12pm: Bahrain GP Practice 1 (session starts at 12:30pm) *1.55pm: F3 Quarifying2.40pm: F2 Quarifying3.35pm: Bahrain GP Practice 2 (session starts at 4pm) 5.15pm: F1 Show Show
Saturday, April 12th
11:10am: F3 Sprint Race 1.15pm: Bahrain GP Practice 3 (session starts at 1:30pm) 3.10pm: F2 Sprint 4.10pm: Bahrain GP Qualifying Buildup 5pm: Bahrain GP Qualifying 7pm: TED Qualifying Notebook Bookbook
Sunday, April 13th
10:50am: F3 Function RACE 12.20pm: F2 Function Race 2.30pm: Bahrain GP Build-Up: Grand Prix Sunday 4pm: Bahrain Grampuri 6pm: Bahrain GP Reaction: Checkered Flag 7pm: Ted’s Notebook
* Live at Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 continues its triple header at Bahrain Grampuri’s Sakir live at Sky Sports F1 this weekend. Stream Sky Sports Now – No Contract, Cancel Anytime
