Key FIA figure sensationally quits role after aiming 'alarming' dig at F1 governing body

A top official in the FIA has unexpectedly resigned and taken aim at the F1 governing body in an official statement announcing his departure.

After a somewhat lacklustre Japaneses Grand Prix, Formula One is back this weekend as the gird lineup at the Bahrain International circuit for the fourth race of the 2025 season.

Ahead of the race, there have been increased discussions surrounding what has caused the early races of the season to fall flat of expectations, with many blaming the FIA, the F1's governing body.

And the pressure mounting on the organisation has just reached a new high, as one of their most senior staff has quit his job with a fiery statement announcing his departure.

During his tenure as President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been involved in several controversies, including the clamping down on drivers swearing during races or in press conferences.

But perhaps his biggest issue is that he has now lost his closest ally, as deputy president for sport Robert Reid has announced his resignation from F1’s governing body.

Reid had served as a key member of Sulayem's team since he was elected in December 2021 and was seen as many as the president's right-hand man.

But in the statement confirming his resignation, Reid appeared to turn on the president, hitting out at the FIA for moving away from several of their key principles.

Posting on social media, he wrote: “After deep reflection, I have made the difficult decision to resign as FIA Deputy President for Sport.

“I took on this role to help deliver greater transparency, stronger governance and more collaborative leadership.

“Over time, those principles have been increasingly set aside and I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that no longer reflects them.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has come under fire after deputy president for sport Robert Reid resigned. (Image: Getty)

“Stepping away was not easy, however staying would have meant compromising what I believe in. This is about principles, not politics.

“Motorsport deserves leadership rooted in integrity, accountability and respect for process.

“That’s the minimum standard we should all expect and demand.”

Reid's resignation comes shortly after several high-profile figures within the FIA departued within the space of two weeks in November, including F1 race director Neils Wittic.