FIA sees more senior departures amid leadership concerns

The FIA finds itself at a crossroads as two senior figures exit the governing body, fueling speculation about internal discord and leadership challenges.

These departures follow a pattern of high-profile exits, raising concerns about the organization's stability and future direction in motorsport governance.

Communications director Luke Skipper and secretary general Jacob Bangsgaard have both resigned, citing pursuit of other interests.

Their departures coincide with renewed scrutiny of FIA president Ben Sulayem’s leadership.

Leadership under the microscope

Ben Sulayem's recent actions have thrust him into the spotlight, particularly his call for drivers to curb their use of profanity.

This directive led to a contentious sanction against Max Verstappen for cursing during a press conference, prompting pushback from the outspoken Dutch driver.

In a surprising turn, Ben Sulayem has also taken aim at the British media, claiming he has been "convicted" by unspecified coverage.

This combative stance towards the press adds another layer of complexity to the FIA's current predicament.

Key departures and their significance

While the FIA has remained tight-lipped about the specific reasons behind Skipper and Bangsgaard's exits, their roles were pivotal within the organization.

Skipper, who joined in 2022 as the FIA's inaugural director of communications and public affairs, brought extensive experience from his time at Weber Shandwick and as chief of staff for the Scottish National Party in UK Parliament.

Bangsgaard, appointed in 2023 as Secretary General for Automobile Mobility and Tourism, had been a prominent figure in mobility circles.

His credentials included founding European Policy Research and serving as Director General of FIA Region I.

A pattern of high-level exits

These latest departures are not isolated incidents. The FIA has witnessed a string of high-profile exits over the past year, raising questions about the organization's stability and direction.

Last winter saw the resignations of sporting director Steve Nielsen and single-seater technical director Tim Goss.

Nielsen has since returned to Formula One Management, while Goss is poised to join RB F1 as chief technical officer.

Deborah Mayer stepped down as head of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission.

This was followed by the February departures of governance director Pierre Ketterer and commercial legal head Edward Floydd.

Most notably, Natalie Robyn, the FIA's first CEO, left in May 2023.

She departed less than a year after being appointed by Ben Sulayem in a major restructuring effort.

F1 and the FIA's future

The wave of departures raises concerns about the FIA's ability to maintain continuity in its operations and negotiations, particularly as it relates to the crucial Concorde Agreement.

With key figures involved in these discussions no longer at the helm, the governing body may face challenges in upcoming negotiations with teams and commercial rights holders.

With Ben Sulayem's leadership under increasing scrutiny, the coming months will be critical in determining the FIA's trajectory and its relationship with teams, drivers, and the media.