No comment from Basarri who follows fired Wittich out of the FIA

Friday, 15 November 2024 at 15:35

Paolo Basarri has left his role as compliance officer for Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, with multiple sources indicating he was dismissed due to a loss of confidence from the organisation's President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Basarri, an Italian official who had been in charge of monitoring ethical compliance, reportedly clashed with FIA chief Ben Sulayem over several issues, including efforts to resist or reinterpret directives from the President. Sources suggest this approach led to his removal.

The FIA has declined to comment on the matter, while Basarri stated to BBC Sport: "I cannot comment on this."

Basarri’s departure follows his involvement in compiling a report on allegations that Ben Sulayem interfered in race operations during the 2023 season. According to FIA regulations, the compliance officer’s dismissal requires approval from the FIA Senate. However, sources say his position was not discussed during this week’s Senate meeting, raising questions about the process leading to his departure.

Basarri is the second senior figure to leave the FIA within a week. Niels Wittich, F1’s race director, also exited the organisation under contentious circumstances. While the FIA announced Wittich had "stepped down," he contradicted this, telling BBC Sport: "I can confirm that I got fired and it was not my decision to leave F1."

Ben Sulayem, who has faced previous allegations of interference, has often been at the centre of controversy. In 2023, a whistleblower accused him of overturning a penalty issued to Fernando Alonso during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and attempting to block the certification of the Las Vegas circuit for its inaugural race. The FIA ethics committee cleared him of wrongdoing in both cases, but the organisation has continued to experience a steady exodus of senior personnel.

The departures of Basarri and Wittich are the latest in a series of high-profile exits from the FIA. Deborah Mayer stepped down as head of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, sporting director Steve Nielsen resigned in December 2023, and technical chief Tim Goss left in January. FIA CEO Natalie Robyn exited in May after just 18 months in the role, and October saw the departures of communications director Luke Skipper and mobility secretary-general Jacob Bangsgaard.

This string of resignations has raised concerns about leadership stability within the FIA as it navigates mounting scrutiny over its governance and operational transparency under Ben Sulayem.