Amid an internal restructuring, Formula 1‘s governing body, the FIA, has sacked its head of sustainability, inclusion and diversity.
Sara Mariani took over the role of leading the FIA’s charge for inclusion and diversity in 2023, but has been shown the exit doors less than two years into her tenure.
Mariani, who has worked with brands like Christian Dior in the past, was based out of the governing body’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland and was working with both the FIA’s motorsport and mobility wings.
This decision comes on the heels of sweeping changes being made to the organisation.
Mariani’s role has been split into two with sustainability now coming under the remit of the secretary general for mobility, Willem Groenewald while senior human resources director Alessandra Malhame will be undertaking responsibilities related to diversity and inclusion.
A statement from FIA’s General Manager, Alberto Villareal read, “The decision to restructure our Sustainability and D&I function has been taken, after careful consideration by the senior leadership team, to strengthen our capabilities across these two crucial areas.”
“The FIA has an important role to play in driving sustainable practices across motor sport and mobility and providing our Member Clubs with the tools to effect change on the ground. By connecting more closely with our Members on topics such as sustainable fuel, smart cities, and diversity in sport, we can achieve a bigger impact.”
Mariani reportedly left a strongly worded note on her out-of-office email, which read: “There is a life outside the FIA. A life where talent and dedication are rewarded. Where women in leadership positions can thrive, feel valued and respected.”
She also added, “I loved the ride, I enjoyed every minute of it.”
The FIA currently has 47% of its female workforce placed in senior positions including the likes of Emilia Abel who heads the body’s global road sport and Rebecca Lee who is the head of Single Seater Operations and the FIA’s first female official F1 starter.
Malhame reiterated the governing body’s push towards a more inclusive and diverse arena of motorsport in light of the organisational reshuffle.
“The FIA is committed to advancing opportunities for women within the organisation, and across mobility and motorsport. We have advanced our internal talent acquisition and development programmes, and are proud that 32% of our workforce are women in a male-dominated industry,” she asserted.
“Of those women, almost half are in senior roles across departments including operations, communications, mobility and sport. Two roles on the senior leadership team are filled by women. We will continue to build on these foundations to ensure that brilliant female talent can flourish in our Federation in the years to come.”
Changes afoot at the FIA as Mohammed Ben Sulayem looks to extend presidency
Ben Sulayem, who took over the presidency of the FIA from Jean Todt in 2021, is coming towards the end of his first term at the helm of the governing body. However, he has declared his intent to run for a second consecutive term in the presidential elections, later this year.
At the time of writing, he stands unopposed but his presidency has already been marred with various controversies and suggestions of discontent within the executive body of the organisation.
Recently, Ben Sulayem has also sacked various other senior members from within the FIA including F1 race director Niels Wittich, CEO Natalie Robyn, and head of compliance Paolo Basarri.
Despite this, it seems as though his leadership position within the FIA is unhindered with him getting the backing of 36 FIA-affiliated member clubs recently in the lead up to the elections.
“Dear President Mohammed, on behalf of the member clubs listed below, we write to express our sincere gratitude for your service, commitment, vision, and, above all, the delivery of your Manifesto promised to us, the members,” read a joint letter signed by the FIA clubs.
“That said, we understand that four years is a short time to complete the ambitious reforms you have initiated.
“Therefore, we strongly encourage you to seek re-election at the upcoming AGA, so that you may continue the important work you have started, with our full support, with deep appreciation and optimism for the future, Hermanos.”
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