Mohammed Ben Sulayem called out over FIA 'breakdown' as key ally resigns before Bahrain GP

president is under new pressure heading into the after second-in-command Robert Reid resigned from the governing body. He cited a 'fundamental breakdown in governance standards' as the leading reason for his exit.

Ben Sulayem's leadership has been under the microscope for over 12 months now, with his outspoken takes on the future of the sport, the ill-fated investigation into Susie Wolff, and his unpopular clampdown on driver language doing little to bolster his popularity. At the same time, a number of high-profile departures have whittled down Ben Sulayem's support team at the FIA. Among others, race director Niels Wittich, CEO Natalie Robyn, sporting director Steve Nielsen and single-seater technical director Tim Goss have all been through the exit door in the past 12 months.

Now, another key name has joined that list. Explaining his departure in a statement on Thursday, deputy president Reid said: "When I took on this role, it was to serve the FIA's members; not to serve power.

"Over time, I have witnessed a steady erosion of the principles we promised to uphold. Decisions are being made behind closed doors, bypassing the very structures and people the FIA exists to represent.

"My resignation is not about personalities; it is about principles. Motorsport deserves leadership that is accountable, transparent, and member-driven. I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that does not reflect those values."

The statement also pointed fingers at "a fundamental breakdown in governance standards within motorsport's global governing body". This resignation heaps more pressure onto Ben Sulayem's shoulders and comes at a challenging time with the 63-year-old hoping to secure reelection in December.

Ben Sulayem has come under fire this season for the extreme fines reserved for drivers who swear during televised interviews at race weekends. Hyundai driver , sparking outrage in the World Rally Championship paddock.

As a response, the drivers' union released a scathing statement and promised not to respond to interview questions outside of their mother tongues in fear of slipping up and swearing, and thus facing the .

F1 drivers have been unimpressed, too. George Russell, head of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, has called for greater transparency regarding the FIA's usage of driver fines, and the swearing penalties were met with widespread disdain during the off-season.