‘Unstable’ – F1 hit by shock resignation as FIA chief quits with blunt statement and George Russell slams leadership
GEORGE RUSSELL slammed the FIA’s “unstable” leadership as the sport was thrown into turmoil yesterday.
FIA executive Robert Reid resigned yesterday over what he described as a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards”.
George Russell wants more trust placed in the teams to work with the FIA[/caption]
Carlos Sainz was also scathing in his assessment[/caption]
Scottish executive Reid was appointed in 2021 when current FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem was elected, but the pair have fallen out in recent years.
When Mercedes ace Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, was asked about Reid’s resignation, he said: “Unfortunately, I think every time we hear some news from that side of the sport, it’s not a big surprise.
“As we keep saying, it’s like, what’s next? It’s a shame to see, and hopefully we get more stability sooner rather than later.
“It’s getting to a point now where these things are happening so often, and as drivers we’re trying to get involved, in the past, we didn’t really make much headway.
“Things seem to continuously be going in an unstable direction.
“I’ve got to be honest, we’re getting to a point now where our actions are having little impact with those guys, and we’ve got to trust in the teams and Formula 1 to work with the FIA to come to a common ground.
“If we can help, we want to be there, but often it just seems like things are going in their own direction.”
Reid’s departure is the latest in a string of high-profile resignations at the FIA over the last 18 months.
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Ben Sulayem has been under fire in the last few years, following various controversies including the FIA’s swearing rules earlier this year.
Reid said in his resignation letter: “When I took on this role, it was to serve the FIA’s members, not to serve power.
“Over time, I have witnessed a steady erosion of the principles we promised to uphold.
“Decisions are being made behind closed doors, bypassing the very structures and people the FIA exists to represent.
“My resignation is 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.”
