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David Richards and FIA President Clash Over Governance Issues

In early March, David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK, sent a pointed letter to the members of Motorsport UK, addressing concerns about the FIA and its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This correspondence criticized Ben Sulayem’s governance style within Formula 1 and the wider motorsport community. Just a month later, the FIA issued a formal response, urging Richards to make this communication public via Motorsport UK’s platforms. However, Richards expressed disappointment with the FIA’s reply.

Richards stated, “What is disappointing in this letter from Alberto is the disregard for the very real concerns that have been expressed, not just by myself, but a growing number of people, that the governance and constitutional organisation of the FIA is becoming ever more opaque and concentrating power in the hands of the President alone.”

The tension between Richards and the FIA escalated after he declined to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that was a prerequisite for attending a World Motor Sport Council meeting. In his March letter published in Motorsport UK’s magazine, Richards articulated his concerns regarding the FIA’s operations and hinted at possible legal action if his issues remained unaddressed.

He explicitly cited the reasons for his refusal to sign what he termed a “gagging order,” asserting that the terms of the NDA did not correspond to existing FIA statutes. Furthermore, he highlighted a worrying trend of governance changes within the organization, noting that many senior FIA officials had left or were dismissed under questionable circumstances. Richards specifically referenced the modifications made to the Audit and Ethics committees, where powers were shifted from compliance officers to the FIA president, a move that raised ethical questions.

David Richards and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

The FIA’s response, dated April 7 and authored by general manager Alberto Villarreal, did not satisfactorily address the issues raised by Richards. Villarreal acknowledged the concerns about the NDA but framed it as a standard business practice essential for protecting confidential information. He argued that the integrity of the FIA’s operations relied upon these agreements and emphasized the organization’s commitment to its members.

“The unauthorized disclosure of information not only damages the FIA but undermines our ability to fulfil our mission to member clubs impacting the objectives of growing motorsport participation, increasing accessibility and cultivating innovation in the sport we love,” Villarreal wrote. He expressed confusion over Richards’ reluctance to agree to the NDA when he recognized the impact of leaks on the FIA’s mission.

While Villarreal’s letter recognized some concerns, it predominantly focused on promoting the achievements of the FIA under Ben Sulayem’s leadership. Villarreal touted a significant financial turnaround for the organization, transforming a €24 million deficit in 2021 into a projected €2.2 million surplus by 2024, neglecting to address specific worries raised by Richards.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA, Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Team

Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

In his follow-up communication, Richards lamented that the FIA’s response failed to consider his significant concerns and advocated for an “open and transparent dialogue.” He expressed hope that a productive conversation with the FIA’s legal representatives could resolve the issues at hand, noting they were not insurmountable.

Richards concluded his message by expressing a desire to meet with Ben Sulayem during an upcoming trip to the Middle East, hoping to find common ground and propose workable solutions. However, with the FIA president’s schedule likely filled with other stakeholders during the F1 season’s Bahrain race, it remains uncertain if a dialogue will take place.

As this unfolding situation captures attention, it raises essential questions about leadership transparency and accountability within the FIA, especially as the organization seeks to navigate the complexities of modern motorsport governance.

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