FIA reveals new structure for F1 following Ben Sulayem’s review

Fia
Fia

The FIA has unveiled several changes to its structure of governing Formula 1 following president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s internal review.

There will be increased investment and resources in the FIA’s F1 activities, as well as a new overall structure.

Ben Sulayem began the review process shortly after taking office in 2022, in the wake of the Abu Dhabi season finale where a Michael Masi blunder caused the 2021 drivers’ championship to be decided in extremely controversial circumstances.

In an FIA statement, Ben Sulayem said: “We have dedicated a lot of time and effort to making significant, informed changes to our Formula 1 team to create the right structure with the right people to oversee the future regulation of the sport.”

The 61-year-old has made several significant appointments in this reshuffle with Nikolas Tomazis now the Single Seater Director, with four roles now reporting directly to him.

Former McLaren technical director Tim Goss fills Tombazis’ old role as FIA Technical Director, stepping up from being Tombazis’ deputy.

Steve Neilsen, formerly of Williams, takes up the position of Sporting Director, replacing François Sicard who has the new role of Formula 1 Strategy & Operations Director.

The final change sees Federico Lodi become Formula 1 Financial Director.

Of the appointments, Ben Sulayem added: “I am confident that we are in the best position possible to move forward together with our partners at FOM and the Formula 1 teams.”

This is Ben Sulayem’s first major shake-up of the FIA, an organisation that was still struggling to replace the late Charlie Whiting, who wore many hats in his F1-based roles before his untimely passing in 2019, most notably that of Race Director.

Masi stepped up to fill the position but the Australian was replaced by Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas in 2022, after a string of errors, culminating in the Abu Dhabi debacle.

Thus, Ben Sulayem inherited an organisation under fire from all angles with problems persisting through 2022.

It is hoped that the changes in structure help make the FIA more robust moving forward.

More in News

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 27: Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Second placed qualifier Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team talk in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 27, 2023 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202305270377 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen Snatches Dramatic Monaco Pole

Max Verstappen has snatched a last-gasp pole position at the ...
2023 Monaco Grand Prix, Friday - Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton Desperate For Strong Monaco Result

Toto Wolff has insisted he would dread the seven-time world ...
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 26: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2023 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202305261052 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen Fights Back, Fastest In Monaco FP2

Max Verstappen set the pace in the second free practice ...
Ferrari's Flying In Monaco Free Practice

Ferrari’s Flying In Monaco Free Practice

Friday at the Monaco Grand Prix saw Scuderia Ferrari drivers ...
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Amr23

Fernando Alonso Off To A Fast Start In Monaco

Fernando Alonso got off to a fast start in Monaco, ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle