Former FIA CEO Speaks Out on Governance Issues

In a shocking revelation ahead of this weekend’s Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, former Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) chief executive Natalie Robyn has accused the organization of facing ‘serious ongoing structural challenges’ and not following ‘professional processes.’ This comes after the resignation of FIA deputy president for sport Robert Reid from the motor racing governing body.

Resignation of Deputy President Indicates Deep-Seated Issues

Thursday saw the announcement of Reid’s resignation, who was one of two members barred from the latest gathering of the FIA World Motor Sport Council over their refusal to sign a non-disclosure agreement imposed by president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This is not the first time Reid has spoken out against the FIA; he has continued his war of words with Ben Sulayem and the organization, claiming that there has been a ‘disregard for the very real concerns that have been expressed, not just by myself, but a growing number of people, that the governance and constitutional organization of the FIA is becoming ever more opaque and concentrating power in the hands of the president alone.’

Robyn, who was the FIA’s first-ever chief executive, resigned from her post in May 2024 after just 18 months. At the time of her exit, she did not explain her reasoning, but has now spoken out about what led to her departure. ‘During my tenure as CEO, I worked under challenging circumstances to strengthen the federation’s governance framework and upgrade its operational transparency,’ she told BBC Sport. ‘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 organization.’ Robyn expressed her sadness over these developments, stating that they threaten both the credibility and long-term effectiveness of an important institution.

Robyn worked closely with Reid during her time at the FIA and holds him in high regard. ‘I am saddened to see these developments, as they threaten both the credibility and the long-term effectiveness of an important institution,’ 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.’