FIA under pressure after Richards’ rebuke

The rift between Motorsport UK and the FIA has widened after chairman David Richards expressed disappointment with the governing body's response to his serious concerns about its leadership and governance structure.

Richards has publicly criticized FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's leadership approach, describing the organization's formal response to his concerns as displaying "disregard for the very real concerns" shared by a growing number of stakeholders throughout motorsport.

The dispute began when Richards refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement required for his attendance at a World Motor Sport Council meeting.

This refusal triggered a strongly-worded letter from Richards published in Motorsport UK's magazine, where he threatened legal action if his concerns weren't properly addressed.

Governance transparency at heart of dispute

"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,"

Richards stated in his Wednesday response.

His initial concerns centered on structural changes within the FIA that he claims have resulted in significant power consolidation.

Richards specifically highlighted modifications to the Audit and Ethics committees, where decision-making authority has shifted from compliance officers to the FIA president himself.

Richards also referenced troubling personnel changes, noting that "numerous senior members of the FIA and volunteer officials have either been fired or have resigned under an opaque cloud."

FIA's defense falls short

The FIA's response, drafted by general manager Alberto Villarreal on April 7, largely sidestepped Richards' core concerns.

While acknowledging the NDA dispute, Villarreal defended the requirement as standard business practice to protect confidentiality.

"The unauthorised disclosure of information not only damages the FIA but undermines our ability to fulfil our mission to member clubs,"

Villarreal wrote, questioning Richards' reluctance to accept the same terms as his peers on the Council.

Villarreal's letter then pivoted to highlight Ben Sulayem's financial achievements, including transforming a €24 million deficit in 2021 into a "projected €2.2 million improvement in 2024."

However, the response failed to substantively address Richards' fundamental concerns about governance structure and concentration of power.

Seeking resolution

Despite the disappointing response, Richards appears committed to finding common ground.

In his Wednesday follow-up, he expressed hope for "a sensible discussion with the legal counsel of the FIA" to resolve these issues.

"I very much hope that despite Alberto's letter, dismissing these material issues, we might yet have a sensible discussion with the legal counsel of the FIA and resolve these points.

They are not insurmountable, but as currently written they are wholly inappropriate,"

Richards stated.

The Motorsport UK chairman indicated he plans to meet with Ben Sulayem in the Middle East to discuss his concerns directly.

However, the FIA president's schedule may be constrained as he attends to numerous pressing matters, including ongoing negotiations for the Concorde Agreement.

This governance dispute comes at a critical time for the FIA as it navigates complex relationships with Formula 1 stakeholders and the broader motorsport community.