FIA under fire: Controversial governance changes proposed

The FIA is facing significant scrutiny as its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, attempts to push through controversial governance changes that would alter the way it handles ethics complaints.

The revisions, scheduled for a vote at the FIA General Assembly on December 13, have raised concerns about transparency, accountability, and the independence of the governing body.

According to a report from the BBC, under the proposed framework, ethics complaints would be managed by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the President of the Senate, Carmelo Sanz de Barros.

This change would mean that any ethics complaints would be directly handled by these two individuals, bypassing the existing independent audit committee, effectively stripping the latter of its independent authority to investigate financial and governance issues.

This would significantly weaken the oversight mechanisms within the FIA and could potentially lead to conflicts of interest. It also raises questions about the impartiality of any investigations involving the president himself.

The audit committee would no longer have the authority to conduct independent investigations into financial irregularities. Instead, its role would be reduced to merely reviewing the FIA's accounting methods.

Its power to sign off on financial accounts would be transferred to the President of the Senate, further centralizing authority.

This reduction in oversight could potentially leave the FIA vulnerable to financial mismanagement and other unethical practices.

The proposed changes come during a turbulent period for Ben Sulayem, who has faced repeated scrutiny over his governance since taking office at the end of 2021.

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Despite the challenges, he remains to date unopposed in his campaign for a second four-year term as FIA president. The measures, if approved, would solidify his position at the top of the organization.

Ben Sulayem’s leadership has been marked by numerous allegations and controversies, although none have led to formal actions against him.

Earlier this year, he was accused of interfering with the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and discouraging officials from certifying the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit. Both claims were dismissed.

Additionally, the BBC has reported on questions surrounding the finances of Ben Sulayem’s private office and the creation of a $1.5 million "President’s Fund" to support FIA member clubs, which have voting power in presidential elections.

The controversy extends to personnel decisions. Long-serving F1 race steward Tim Mayer was recently dismissed, reportedly via text message, after Ben Sulayem allegedly took offense to Mayer’s involvement in an appeal by the Circuit of the Americas following a track invasion.

Natalie Robyn, the FIA’s former chief executive officer, resigned earlier this year after raising concerns about governance and financial practices.

Other high-profile departures this year include Bertrand Badre, head of the audit committee, and compliance officer Paolo Basarri, who had overseen the complaint regarding alleged meddling by Ben Sulayem in the Saudi GP.

A series of senior staff exits has left the FIA struggling to retain experienced personnel. Departures in recent months include the FIA’s sporting director, F1 technical director, and heads of mobility, communications, legal affairs, and the Women in Motorsport Commission, among others.

One could argue that the proposed changes could undermine the FIA’s credibility by centralizing power and weakening independent oversight.

The ethics committee’s diminished authority, combined with the removal of the audit committee’s investigative powers, has prompted concerns about transparency and checks on presidential influence.

If adopted, the changes would mark a significant shift in the FIA’s governance model, one that could further erode the institution’s credibility and its ability to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

As the FIA General Assembly prepares to vote on these proposals, the motorsport world is watching closely to see if the organization will take steps to strengthen its governance or further consolidate power in the hands of a few key individuals.

The outcome of this vote could have significant implications for the future of Formula 1 and other motorsport disciplines.

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