Tensions inside the FIA were revived on Wednesday when two prominent figures of the governing body – Motorsport UK chief David Richards and FIA deputy president for sport Robert Reid – were barred from attending a virtual meeting of the World Motor Sport Council.
Their absence was not a matter of scheduling conflicts, but rather a direct consequence of their refusal to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) ordered directly by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
According to reports, the NDA in question would have prohibited members from discussing matters pertaining to the FIA outside of official meetings.
This requirement, reportedly driven by Ben Sulayem's concerns about potential leaks to the media, sparked immediate controversy.
Richards and Reid, both respected voices in motorsport governance, stood firm in their refusal, leading to their exclusion from the critical meeting.
An FIA spokesperson defended the decision, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality in maintaining the organization’s integrity.
“As is routine in all organizations, the FIA implements procedures including non-disclosure agreements to ensure confidential relationships between all parties, to safeguard personal information, and to protect our regulatory interests,” the spokesperson stated.
FIA Deputy President for Sport Robert Reid with Max Verstappen.
They argued that unauthorized leaks could jeopardize the FIA’s mission, hinder revenue generation for member clubs, and stall efforts to expand motorsport’s reach and innovation.
The spokesperson added that a “super majority” of World Motor Sport Council members supported the confidentiality measures.
However, the banishment of Richards and Reid from the meeting has escalated into a legal dispute, with reports indicating that legal letters have been exchanged between the various parties.
This development adds another layer to the already turbulent tenure of Ben Sulayem, who has faced increasing scrutiny and criticism in recent months.
A Pattern of Control and Controversy
Ben Sulayem's presidency has been marked by a series of contentious decisions.
In December, the FIA's statutes were amended to limit accountability, granting Ben Sulayem and the president of the senate, Carmelo Sanz De Barros, greater control over ethics complaints.
This move, coupled with his recent crackdown on swearing in F1 and his claims of British media bias, has fueled speculation about his leadership style.
The NDA controversy, therefore, appears to be part of a broader pattern of asserting control and managing information flow within the FIA.
With Ben Sulayem seeking re-election in 2025, these events raise questions about the future direction of the organization and its relationship with its members.
The exclusion of two key figures from an official meeting underscores the growing tension and the stark divide within the FIA, leaving the motorsport world to watch closely as the saga unfolds.
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