A shakeup is reportedly in store for the FIA's Formula 1 department ahead of the 2024 season, as sporting director Steve Nielsen prepares to step down.
Nielsen, who enjoyed a lengthy career in F1 that started in 1986 with Team Lotus and included spells with Tyrrell, Benetton, Arrows and then Toro Rosso and Williams, became Formula One Management’s sporting director in 2017 before taking on the role just a year ago with the FIA.
This season, the experienced Briton oversaw all sporting matters related to F1, including the ongoing development of the governing body’s dedicated Race Control and Remote Operations Centre, as well as updates to the Sporting Regulations.
But according to a report from Motorsport.com, Nielsen's alleged decision stems from growing dissatisfaction with the FIA’s F1 operations and how they are being managed.
Despite speculation indicating that Nielsen's departure is imminent, the FIA has yet to release an official statement on the matter.
Nielsen's departure, if confirmed, would come at a time when the FIA is facing intense scrutiny from Formula 1 over a number of issues ranging from the governing body’s stewardship on race weekends - with the 2023 season littered with a litany of controversial calls - to the equally questionable management style of its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Nilsen’s decision to part ways with the FIA is another setback for the organization, and it could make it more difficult for the institution to rebuild trust with F1 and the sport’s stakeholders.
It would also be a loss of institutional knowledge. Nielsen has been involved in Formula 1 for many years, and he has a deep understanding of the sport's rules and regulations.
His departure would leave a significant void in the FIA's expertise.
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