Catch you on the other side

It’s been a week now since I felt compelled to resign from my role of FIA Deputy President for Sport and I am genuinely overwhelmed by the positive response, from the very top of motorsport to FIA member clubs, colleagues, fans, and friends across the world. I’m incredibly grateful, and humbled, by the support shown publicly and privately. Thank you.

 

I never expected that stepping away from something I care so deeply about would resonate so widely. It reinforces my belief that integrity and values still matter, not just in words, but in how we lead.

 

It is interesting, but not wholly surprising, that many of those messages of support came with the caveat of not being willing to say anything publicly for fear of retaliation, which highlights some of the issues we face. I would never ask anyone to put themselves in what they feel is an uncomfortable position, be it through a letter of support or a social post showing clear endorsement, as I don’t feel that it would be fair to do so. From other quarters the silence has been deafening.

 

As I said in my initial statement, my decision to resign was not about personalities or politics. It was about principles. I took on this role with a clear mandate: to help lead a transparent, accountable, and member-led federation. While some early progress was made, I ultimately found myself unable to continue within a system that no longer reflected the standards I believe the FIA must uphold.

 

One of the clearest and most troubling examples of this breakdown involved the internalisation of the World Rallycross Championship. I repeatedly raised concerns, both about the governance process and potential legal implications, and received no response, despite my elected responsibilities and fiduciary obligations. Eventually, I had no choice but to seek external legal advice and support. Only then did I receive a response, but unfortunately it lacked the clarity and rigour I had hoped for. I was told, in broad terms, that the governance process was sound and there was no legal risk. But no evidence or explanation was offered to support those assurances. As someone accountable to the membership and exposed to personal liability, that was simply not acceptable.

 

I also want to address recent speculation regarding the Non-Disclosure Agreement amendment. I fully support the need for confidentiality and have personally been deeply frustrated at the number of leaks that undermine trust and effective governance. One journalist said to me that perhaps the FIA should be more concerned with why people are leaking than who is doing it and I think that’s worth reflecting on.

 

I did not refuse to sign the NDA amendment. I simply requested a short extension in order to seek legal advice on a complex document governed by Swiss law, which was presented with a relatively short deadline. That request was denied. As a result, I was excluded from the World Motor Sport Council meeting, in my view, both unfairly and unlawfully. Ten days later, my FIA email was disabled without notice. Multiple requests for assistance and explanation went unanswered until, following a legal letter from my counsel, I was informed this had been a deliberate decision.

 

I want to be clear: I remain bound by confidentiality obligations and will continue to respect those legal responsibilities. I will not disclose information received in confidence or obtained in my official capacity.

 

But what I can say and what I must say is this:

 

I spoke up when I felt fundamental principles were being eroded. I did so respectfully, constructively, and always with the aim of safeguarding the integrity of our sport. But doing so came at a cost. It became clear that raising legitimate concerns was not always welcomed  and I experienced firsthand how challenging the status quo can lead to exclusion rather than dialogue. I don’t regret speaking up. But I do believe I was treated unfairly for doing so.

 

Leadership matters. Governance matters. And trust, once lost, is hard to rebuild. If motorsport is to remain credible and thrive into the future, it must be governed not by control, but by collaboration. Not by silence, but by accountability.

 

A lot of people have asked what comes next. The truth is, this was never about a “next move.” It was about saying: this isn’t good enough, and I can’t be part of it anymore.

 

That message has clearly struck a chord with messages of support received from many FIA member clubs all around the world, and strong backing from everyone in the sport. For that, I am very grateful.

 

For now, it’s time for a holiday, the first in a very long time. But I won’t be far. I remain, as ever, committed to motorsport and to the people who give it life.

 

Catch you on the other side.