Former CEO breaks silence on FIA's 'serious challenges'

Former FIA chief executive Natalie Robyn says motorsport's governing body has "serious ongoing structural challenges".

It is the first time Robyn has spoken publicly since leaving the organisation in May 2024 after just 18 months in the role.

At the time, the FIA said that Robyn had left "by mutual agreement to pursue opportunities outside of the FIA".

In fact, Robyn was forced to resign following disagreements with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

She was commenting in the wake of the resignation of FIA deputy president of sport Robert Reid.

Robyn told BBC Sport: "During my tenure as CEO, I worked under challenging circumstances to strengthen the federation's governance framework and upgrade its operational transparency.

"The resignation of the deputy president of sport clearly indicates there are serious ongoing structural challenges.

"When professional processes are not adhered to and stakeholders are excluded from decision-making, it undermines the foundation of a strong organisation.

"I am saddened to see these developments, as they threaten both the credibility and the long-term effectiveness of an important institution."

Robyn's comments are a direct reaction to the decision of Reid to resign on Thursday citing "a fundamental breakdown in governance standards within motorsport's global governing body".

Robyn added: "I worked closely with Robert during my time at the FIA and I have a great deal of respect for him and of course his commitment to the future of motorsport."

Robyn left the FIA after raising questions about the general governance of the organisation and its professional practices, including finances in the president's office.

Her departure was followed by those of the head of the audit committee Bertrand Badre and audit committee member Tom Purves, who were fired in the summer of 2024.

The compliance officer Paolo Basarri, who looked into the allegations that Ben Sulayem interfered in the operations of two races during the 2023 season, was fired in November.

The FIA has been approached for comment.

Reid's resignation came after MotorsportUK chairman David Richards wrote an open letter to the organisation's members accusing the FIA of a "shift of moral compass".

The controversies that have embroiled Ben Sulayem have included his views on women, his approach to F1, the dismissal of a number of senior figures amid questions about the finances of the president's office and other concerns, rule changes regarding F1 drivers' public behaviour and the whistleblower allegations of interference in grands prix, which the FIA has since dismissed.

The FIA is also being sued by Susie Wolff, the director of the F1 Academy for young female drivers and wife of Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff.