Two Motorsport bosses blocked from FIA meeting amid heated NDA dispute: Here's why

Two high-profile motorsport officials, Robert Reid, FIA's deputy president for sport, and David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK, were prevented from attending the latest World Motor Sport Council meeting. The reason behind their exclusion stemmed from their refusal to sign newly enforced non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), which are part of stricter confidentiality protocols introduced by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This move has sparked significant controversy within the motorsport community.

NDA Dispute Leads to FIA Blocking Two Motorsport Bosses from Key Meeting

The decision to implement stricter NDAs was reportedly motivated by concerns over media leaks, which Ben Sulayem believes have negatively impacted his leadership. An FIA spokesperson justified the NDAs, stating that they are “routine in all organisations” to safeguard confidential information, maintain regulatory integrity, and protect revenue streams essential for supporting member clubs. It was emphasized that these measures received “overwhelming support” from a majority of WMSC members. However, the refusal by Reid and Richards to sign the NDAs led to their exclusion from the meeting, causing tensions to escalate.


Reports suggest that legal letters were exchanged following their expulsion, raising questions about the validity of the meeting. Despite these concerns, it was confirmed that the gathering complied with WMSC governance, although the absence of key figures like Reid and Richards continued to fuel debate. Notably, FIA regulations specify that council members “may attend” and “have the right to vote,” highlighting the discretionary nature of participation.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem's tenure as FIA president has been marked by controversy. He has openly criticized the British media for what he perceives as biased coverage of his leadership. Additionally, he has been vocal about issues like driver behavior, emphasizing that how he manages the FIA is “none of their business.” Recently, he proposed the reintroduction of V10 engines in Formula 1, stirring further debate within the sport.

The latest WMSC meeting also saw significant announcements, including a rule change for the Monaco Grand Prix, which will require two mandatory pitstops from the 2025 season onwards. Furthermore, the FIA outlined its ‘Vision 2030’ strategy, detailing goals for the next five years.

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Ben Sulayem is expected to seek re-election at the end of 2025, with no known opponents as of now. However, the controversy surrounding the stricter NDA protocols and the exclusion of senior figures could influence the political landscape of the FIA, potentially impacting his bid for another term. As tensions continue, the motorsport world will closely watch how this governance dispute unfolds.