Perthshire native and 2001 World Rally Champion co-driver, Robert Reid, has resigned from his prominent position as the FIA’s Deputy President for Sport, citing a significant decline in governance standards within the organization. This unexpected move comes as a shock to the motorsport community, particularly in Reid’s home region of Perth and Kinross, where he is highly regarded for his achievements and contributions to the sport.
Reid, who hails from Murthly, has had a distinguished career in motorsport, achieving global recognition alongside Richard Burns during the sport’s golden era. His decision to step down from the FIA reflects his deep concerns about the current state of the organization and his commitment to upholding principles of transparency and collaboration, values he feels are being eroded within the FIA. A Stand on Principle
In a strongly worded statement, Reid outlined his reasons for resigning, emphasizing a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards” as the primary catalyst. He expressed his disappointment that decisions within the FIA are increasingly being made behind closed doors, circumventing the established structures and representatives. This lack of transparency, Reid argued, goes against the core principles of the FIA and undermines the democratic processes that should be at the heart of the organization.
Reid further stated that while resigning was a difficult choice, he felt compelled to step down to maintain his integrity. For him, this decision was rooted in principle, not politics, reflecting his belief that motorsport deserves leadership founded on integrity, accountability, and respectful processes. Local Roots, Global Impact
Reid’s resignation reverberates throughout the motorsport world, but the impact is felt most keenly in Perth and Kinross, where his rallying legacy is intertwined with local pride. Growing up on a farm in Murthly, his passion for motorsport led him to international acclaim, and his success has been a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes in the region.
His involvement with the FIA, after actively supporting the election campaign of current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in 2021, signaled his dedication to the sport beyond his own competitive career. His resignation now raises questions about the future direction of the FIA and the challenges it faces in addressing the governance concerns raised by Reid and other figures within the motorsport community. A Call for Change?
Reid’s departure adds to a series of recent resignations from the FIA, casting a shadow over the organization and prompting discussions about the need for reform. His vocal criticism of the FIA’s current practices serves as a potential turning point, pushing for more transparent and collaborative governance. The timing of his resignation, just before the Bahrain Grand Prix, is particularly noteworthy, potentially drawing further attention to these critical issues and amplifying the call for change within the motorsport governing body.
In Perth and Kinross, his stand is likely to generate further discussions about ethics and integrity in sport, particularly among young people looking to follow in his footsteps. While Reid’s resignation marks the end of his official role within the FIA, his commitment to the sport and its values remains unwavering, and his actions may well inspire a new wave of advocacy for positive change within motorsport governance.
This local connection to a global issue resonates with the Perth and Kinross community. The area, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural scene, including landmarks like Scone Palace and events like the Perth Show, now also finds itself at the center of a global conversation about ethical leadership in sport, thanks to one of its own.
Reid, who hails from Murthly, has had a distinguished career in motorsport, achieving global recognition alongside Richard Burns during the sport’s golden era. His decision to step down from the FIA reflects his deep concerns about the current state of the organization and his commitment to upholding principles of transparency and collaboration, values he feels are being eroded within the FIA. A Stand on Principle
In a strongly worded statement, Reid outlined his reasons for resigning, emphasizing a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards” as the primary catalyst. He expressed his disappointment that decisions within the FIA are increasingly being made behind closed doors, circumventing the established structures and representatives. This lack of transparency, Reid argued, goes against the core principles of the FIA and undermines the democratic processes that should be at the heart of the organization.
Reid further stated that while resigning was a difficult choice, he felt compelled to step down to maintain his integrity. For him, this decision was rooted in principle, not politics, reflecting his belief that motorsport deserves leadership founded on integrity, accountability, and respectful processes. Local Roots, Global Impact
Reid’s resignation reverberates throughout the motorsport world, but the impact is felt most keenly in Perth and Kinross, where his rallying legacy is intertwined with local pride. Growing up on a farm in Murthly, his passion for motorsport led him to international acclaim, and his success has been a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes in the region.
His involvement with the FIA, after actively supporting the election campaign of current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in 2021, signaled his dedication to the sport beyond his own competitive career. His resignation now raises questions about the future direction of the FIA and the challenges it faces in addressing the governance concerns raised by Reid and other figures within the motorsport community. A Call for Change?
Reid’s departure adds to a series of recent resignations from the FIA, casting a shadow over the organization and prompting discussions about the need for reform. His vocal criticism of the FIA’s current practices serves as a potential turning point, pushing for more transparent and collaborative governance. The timing of his resignation, just before the Bahrain Grand Prix, is particularly noteworthy, potentially drawing further attention to these critical issues and amplifying the call for change within the motorsport governing body.
In Perth and Kinross, his stand is likely to generate further discussions about ethics and integrity in sport, particularly among young people looking to follow in his footsteps. While Reid’s resignation marks the end of his official role within the FIA, his commitment to the sport and its values remains unwavering, and his actions may well inspire a new wave of advocacy for positive change within motorsport governance.
This local connection to a global issue resonates with the Perth and Kinross community. The area, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural scene, including landmarks like Scone Palace and events like the Perth Show, now also finds itself at the center of a global conversation about ethical leadership in sport, thanks to one of its own.