[David Richards vs FIA: A Governance Battle Unfolds]

In a dramatic turn of events, chairman David Richards penned an open letter to the members of Motorsport UK, addressing concerns about the FIA’s governance and the leadership of its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This letter, published in March, sparked a series of responses that have left many in the motorsports community on edge.

[The Initial Letter: David Richards’ Concerns]

The letter, filled with strong words and pointed concerns, outlined issues such as the FIA’s handling of confidential information, questionable changes within the organization, and a growing sense of opaqueness in the organization’s governance. These concerns were not just Richards’ alone; they echoed the sentiments of many within the motorsports community.

The crux of the issue was Richards’ refusal to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) required for attending a World Motor Sport Council meeting. He argued that the items in question did not fall under the already established statutes within the FIA, and the NDA, as he referred to it, was akin to a “gagging order.

[The FIA’s Response]

In response, the FIA’s general manager, Alberto Villarreal, wrote a letter dated 7 April. While acknowledging Richards’ concerns regarding the NDA, the letter did not delve into depth nor address the specific points outlined in the initial letter. Instead, it emphasized the importance of preserving confidentiality and the support for such measures by a majority of World Motor Sport Council members.

The second half of Villarreal’s response took on a more PR approach, highlighting the achievements under Ben Sulayem’s leadership, such as turning a €24 million deficit in 2021 into a projected €2.2 million improvement by 2024. However, it failed to address any of Richards’ points of concern.

[The Aftermath]

In his follow-up letter, posted alongside the FIA’s response, Richards expressed disappointment at the organization’s dismissal of his concerns and hoped for a “sensible discussion” to resolve these issues. He also mentioned his plans to meet with Ben Sulayem in person to discuss his concerns further.

Despite Ben Sulayem’s expected visit to Bahrain during the upcoming F1 season, his time will be limited due to numerous other pressing matters requiring his attention, including discussions about the Concorde Agreement.