Two senior figures have left the FIA, Formula 1 and world motorsport’s governing body, in the wake of President Mohammed Ben Sulayem inciting further controversy.
Ben Sulayem encountered criticism for his clampdown on Formula 1 driver swearing, causing issues with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Verstappen was punished with a day of community service for swearing in a Singapore Grand Prix press conference, causing the Dutchman to consider his future in F1.
With the governing body under a questionable spotlight, Autosport reports that the FIA Director of Communications Luke Skipper and Secretary General of Mobility Jacob Bangsgaard have resigned.
It is understood that both figures are off to pursue other interests, but they follow a trend of departures from the motorsport governing body in recent times.
Several exits occurring within the FIA
Steve Nielsen resigned from his post as FIA Sporting Director in December 2023, after just 11 months in the position.
Nielsen’s exit came shortly after Deborah Mayer left her post as Commissioner for Women and Tim Goss left his role as Technical Director in January 2024.
Further exits in 2024 with Governance and Regulatory Director Pierre Ketterer, Head of Commercial Legal Affairs Edward Floydd and the governing body’s first-ever CEO Natalie Robyn all departing.
Ben Sulayem’s Presidency has been fraught with conflict and Verstappen’s swearing incident is just the latest episode in that saga.
Just this week, Ben Sulayem launched a scathing attack due to the lack of recognition the governing body has received for F1’s rapid rise in popularity.
Speaking to Autosport, Ben Sulayem said “we will never get the credit. Impossible. We’ll only get rubbish. That I know.
“When you look at it, everybody made money out of the FIA, everyone except the FIA. Everyone gets the credit, except the FIA.”
READ MORE: Mohammed Ben Sulayem attacks lack of recognition for FIA in F1
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