FIA President bars senior officials from meeting over NDA dispute

A power struggle within Formula 1's governing body intensified on Wednesday. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem barred several senior officials from a World Motor Sport Council meeting.

The officials had refused to sign stricter non-disclosure agreements requested by the president.

Robert Reid, the FIA's deputy president for sport, was among those denied access. David Richards, the UK's representative and chairman of Motorsport UK, was also prevented from attending.

The meeting included key decisions about the upcoming F1 season.

NDA sparks governance concerns

The controversy revolves around Ben Sulayem's demand for a new type of confidentiality agreement.

This more restrictive NDA would prevent council members from discussing FIA matters outside official meetings.

Sources indicate the president implemented these measures due to concerns about media leaks.

The exclusions have raised questions about decision legitimacy. Several important matters were voted on during the meeting.

Most notably, the council confirmed mandatory two-pit stop rules for the Monaco Grand Prix.

This situation creates a potential governance issue.

FIA statutes clearly state that council members "may attend any meeting" and "have the right to vote."

The barring of officials appears to contradict these established rules.

Legal exchanges highlight divisions

The dispute has now entered legal territory. Reports indicate formal legal letters have been exchanged between the parties.

Both Reid and Richards declined to comment when approached by media outlets.

The clash represents a significant fracture in the FIA leadership. Reid was originally part of Ben Sulayem's presidential team.

Their relationship has apparently deteriorated in recent months.

FIA defends actions

An FIA spokesperson defended the organization's position in a statement.

"The FIA implements procedures including non-disclosure agreements to ensure confidential relationships between all parties," it read.

"This helps safeguard personal information and protect our regulatory interests."

The statement further explained: "Unauthorised disclosure undermines our ability to fulfil our mission.

It adversely impacts our capabilities to generate revenues for member clubs. These revenues support our shared objectives of growing motorsport participation."

Larger pattern of controversies

This incident isn't isolated. It adds to numerous controversies during Ben Sulayem's presidency since December 2021.

Previous issues have included his comments about women and his approach to F1 management.

Other contentious matters include statute changes reducing accountability. The dismissal of several senior figures has also raised eyebrows.

His stance on driver behavior and public comments has further strained relationships.

Legal challenges are mounting against the organization. Susie Wolff, head of the all-female F1 Academy series, is pursuing action against the FIA.

This follows a brief compliance inquiry in 2023 involving her and her husband, Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff.

Richards initially supported Ben Sulayem's election. He has since become critical of recent governance changes.

In previous statements to the BBC, Richards warned that major organizations might refuse to work with the FIA if it failed to maintain high governance standards.

Ben Sulayem seeks re-election this December. No challengers have yet emerged. FIA insiders suggest the NDA demands might be motivated by concerns about negative media coverage.

Some speculate he may plan further statute changes at June's general assembly that could disadvantage potential opponents.