Source link : https://news-sports.org/2024/11/29/formula-1/shaking-up-the-ranks-long-serving-fia-officials-bid-farewell-from-formula-1-and-formula-2/
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Major Shakeup in FIA Leadership Ahead of Qatar Grand Prix
LUSAIL, Qatar — In a surprising turn of events just before the Qatar Grand Prix, two prominent figures have been removed from their positions by the FIA, the governing body of Formula One. Tim Mayer, an established steward with over 15 years of experience in officiating F1 races and managing on-track incidents, along with Janette Tan who was poised to serve as the race director for Formula Two this weekend, have both exited their roles. The FIA has not yet provided any comments regarding this situation to The Athletic.
Tim Mayer, who is notably recognized as the son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer, has played a significant part in various racing series beyond just F1; his experience includes positions within World Rallycross and the World Endurance Championship. Recently acting as one of four stewards at the Mexico City Grand Prix, he shared with BBC Sport that he received notification about his dismissal through a text message sent via an assistant associated with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Mayer expressed disappointment during his interview: “To dismiss someone who has dedicated years to a volunteer role through a text doesn’t reflect well on management practices.” He suggested that his exit was linked to issues stemming from recent disciplinary proceedings regarding penalties imposed on promoters after incidents at the United States Grand Prix. In this context, Mayer represented US Race Management during those discussions and noted there were underlying sensitivities involving Ben Sulayem.
The exits of Mayer and Tan take place shortly after Niels Wittich’s unexpected ousting as F1 race director; Wittich left just three races before season’s end—a move that took many—including drivers—by surprise. Following Wittich’s departure under claims he had resigned for new ventures contrary to reports stating he was terminated; it has become evident there are deeper organizational issues within staff stability.
Over the past year alone, several key figures have departed from FIA: sporting director Steve Nielsen and single-seater technical chief Tim Goss among them. Deborah Mayer led initiatives aimed at increasing female representation in motorsport but also vacated her position alongside former CEO Natalie Robyn—all these shifts occurring under Ben Sulayem’s presidency which commenced in December 2021 amidst various controversies including racially charged comments attributed to him historically.
In light of these changes leading into events like Las Vegas Grand Prix where Rui Marques took over for Wittich successfully—with drivers lauding his effective communication style—Marques will now extend his responsibilities by becoming interim race director for Formula Two this weekend simultaneously amidst only his second appearance overseeing F1 sessions.
George Russell—a representative from GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers’ Association)—voiced concerns about maintaining stability following such abrupt alterations in leadership during times when calls were loudest for enhanced transparency and better communication flow within governance structures. “We still lack clarity around why Niels was let go,” remarked Russell concerning unmet expectations around informing teams properly about personnel departures.
“Any organization experiencing turnovers faces challenges such as adapting team protocols under shifting rules which pose hurdles everywhere,” added Russell while seeking insight into ongoing developments surrounding further potential management shifts.
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The post Shaking Up the Ranks: Long-Serving FIA Officials Bid Farewell from Formula 1 and Formula 2 first appeared on News Sports.
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Author : News-Sports
Publish date : 2024-11-29 11:27:01
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