The controversies that have embroiled Ben Sulayem have included his views on women, his approach to F1, the dismissal of a number of senior figures amid questions about the finances of the president’s office and other concerns, rule changes regarding F1 drivers’ public behaviour and whistleblower allegations of interference in grands prix, which the FIA has since dismissed.
The FIA is also being sued by Susie Wolff, the director of the F1 Academy for young female drivers and wife of Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff.
Wolff’s lawsuit follows a conflict of interest inquiry into the Wolffs that was launched and abandoned within the space of two days in December 2023.
Ben Sulayem’s first term ends this year and he is up for re-election in December. So far, he is unopposed but there is said to be at least one potential opponent readying a campaign.
Reid said that his resignation was “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 said.
Reid said “the final breach of trust and due process” that led to his resignation was a recent decision to take in-house the promotion of the World Rallycross Championship without approval by the FIA senate or world council.
Reid said this action “could carry legal risk under European Union competition law”.
The decision is counter to a previous commitment by the FIA world motorsport council that all world championships would have external promoters, be profitable and have a strategic business plan.
It also contravenes an agreement made by the FIA and F1 in 2001 regarding the F1 World Championship in which the FIA agreed it would divest itself of commercial interests in its events to avoid a conflict of interest.
The FIA statement added: “The FIA World Rallycross Championship is a hugely popular sport. In recent years, World and European Rallycross events have been watched by a growing audience of over 30 million viewers spanning over 100 countries.
“The FIA has directly invested into the championship for the benefit of fans, teams, and FIA member clubs. This investment is in line with the FIA’s commitment to double participation in motor sport globally.”
