Robert Reid breaks his silence again, accusing FIA boss Ben Sulayem of secrecy, fear-based leadership, and broken governance promises.
Tensions are rising within the FIA as whispers of an anti-Ben Sulayem front grow louder ahead of this fall’s presidential elections.
Earlier today, we reported that David Richards—Chairman of Motorsport UK and outspoken critic of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem—might be gearing up to challenge him in the next vote. Richards has previously slammed Ben Sulayem’s leadership style, calling it opaque and authoritarian.
Now, former FIA Vice President for Sport, Robert Reid, is adding fuel to the fire. Just a week after his dramatic resignation, Reid has returned with a second explosive statement, once again taking aim at Ben Sulayem’s governance.
“A breakdown in governance”
In his initial resignation letter, Reid pointed to what he described as a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards” at the FIA.
“Over time, I witnessed a steady erosion of the core principles we promised to uphold,” he wrote.
“Decisions were being made behind closed doors, bypassing the very people and structures the FIA is supposed to represent.”
He stressed that his departure wasn’t personal—it was about values.
“Motorsport deserves leadership that is responsible, transparent, and member-driven. I could no longer be part of a system that doesn’t reflect those ideals.”
Blacklisted for speaking up?
In his latest open letter, published today on Substack, Reid reveals even more. He says his FIA email was shut down shortly after he declined to immediately sign a strict non-disclosure agreement tied to World Motor Sport Council meetings.
“I spoke up when I felt basic principles were being ignored. I always did so respectfully and constructively, aiming to protect the integrity of our sport. But there was a cost.”
Reid describes a culture where challenging the status quo leads to punishment, not dialogue.
“Raising valid concerns wasn’t always welcome. I believe I was treated unfairly for doing the right thing.”
Fear over leadership
Reid’s letter doesn’t just criticize the president’s decision-making—it highlights what he calls a growing culture of fear.
“A journalist once told me the FIA should ask why leaks are happening, not just who is leaking. That stuck with me.”
Although he insists he’s always honored confidentiality rules, Reid says his delay in signing the new NDA—wanting time to get legal advice on a complex Swiss-law document—led to his exclusion from key meetings and eventually the deactivation of his email.
“Ten days later, my FIA email was shut off without notice. I only received a response after my lawyer intervened. I was told this was a deliberate decision.”
He warns that such actions may even breach European law and insists the situation is about more than him—it’s about the future of how the FIA is run.
“Motorsport should be governed through collaboration, not control. Through accountability, not silence.”
Silent support, loud problems
Reid also claims he’s received widespread—but quiet—support from across the motorsport world.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by positive messages from clubs, colleagues, fans, and senior figures in motorsport. Many thanked me privately but asked not to be quoted publicly—for fear of retaliation. That says a lot.”
He avoids naming names but clearly hints at a brewing resistance to Ben Sulayem’s leadership. When asked whether he’ll back David Richards in a possible presidential bid, Reid keeps it open.
“People ask what’s next for me. But this was never about the ‘next step.’ It was about saying: this isn’t okay. And I won’t be part of it anymore.”
FIA responds – barely
The FIA’s official response to Reid’s departure was cold and clinical:
“The FIA thanks Robert Reid for his contributions to the organization and to motorsport in general.”
The statement also defended the governing body’s practices:
“The FIA operates under strong corporate governance policies to ensure transparency and adherence to our rules and processes.”
“We’ve invested in the WRC to benefit fans, teams, and clubs, as part of our commitment to doubling motorsport participation worldwide.”
Whether this is just the start of internal upheaval or a full-blown election battle remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: the heat inside the FIA is rising fast.
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FIA in Turmoil: Ex-VP Reid Slams Ben Sulayem Again
FIA in Turmoil: Ex-VP Reid Slams Ben Sulayem Again
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