Sakhir, Bahrain (AFP) — The FIA’s deputy president Robert Reid resigned on Thursday with a damning parting shot at the head of motorsport’s governing body Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

“I took on this role to help deliver greater transparency, stronger governance and more collaborative leadership.”

“Over time, those principles have been increasingly set aside and I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that no longer reflects them,” Reid posted on Instagram.

In a swipe at Ben Sulayem, Reid said motorsport “deserves leadership rooted in integrity, accountability and respect for process.”

“That’s the minimum standard we should all expect, and demand,” he concluded.

The FIA issued a strong defense of itself in the wake of Reid’s departure.

“The FIA has exceptionally robust corporate governance policies which guide our operations and ensure our rules, practices and processes are adhered to,” a statement read.

Reid’s resignation comes as Formula One gathered in Bahrain for Sunday’s fourth race of the season.

Reid, who as co-driver helped Richard Burns to the 2001 world rally championship, is the latest in a long line of high-profile figures to quit the FIA since Ben Sulayem’s appointment in 2021, including its sporting director, F1 technical director, and head of the women in motorsport commission.

Ben Sulayem’s time at the helm of motorsport has been dogged by controversy.

The 63-year-old was taken to task by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for using stereotypical language when discussing the use of foul outbursts by drivers on team radios.

Drivers fell out with the FIA over its crackdown on swearing.

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc broke the rules in 2024 for turning the air blue at press conferences.

The guidelines were strengthened in January, triggering an indignant response from drivers.

“We urge the FIA president to also consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise,” they wrote, adding: “Our members are adults. They do not need to be given instructions via the media, about matters as trivial as the wearing of jewelry or underpants.”