FIA loses another key figure as CEO exits after only 18 months

In the F1 paddock, the FIA logo is clearly visible on a motorhome.

FIA chief executive officer Natalie Robyn will leave the role and the organisation, marking the latest senior staff exit at Formula 1’s governing body.

Robyn, the former chief of Volvo, was appointed as the FIA CEO in November 2022. However, she has recently announced her decision to leave the position by the end of May 2024, stating that “it is the right time to take a step back.”

Natalie Robyn represents fourth recent FIA departure

In recent months, the FIA has experienced a small but noticeable departure of key figures. The exodus began with the departure of sporting director Steve Nielsen at the end of 2023, followed closely by single-seater technical director Tim Goss, who then took on the role of RB’s chief technical officer.

The chief of FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, Deborah Mayer, has departed, and now Robyn is also on her way out.

Robyn expressed her gratitude for having had the opportunity to serve as CEO at the FIA and lead a program of restructuring and reform.

This is the opportune moment to take a step back, knowing that the organization is in a stronger position to tackle the upcoming challenges.

I am extremely proud of my contribution to driving the FIA’s progress in both Sport and Mobility. It brings me joy to depart from an organization that consists of an exceptional team of skilled and committed individuals.

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The FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, expressed that Natalie’s appointment as the CEO of FIA was significant since she became the first to hold this position in the organization’s history.

“On behalf of the FIA, I extend my best wishes to her for her future endeavors as she has made significant contributions to our operational and management structure, as well as our financial sustainability.”

During the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, the FIA stewards had a hectic race weekend, primarily due to Kevin Magnussen’s numerous penalties.

In the midst of all this, Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin engaged in discussions with the FIA president regarding his perspective on how decisions are being made by the stewards, emphasizing the importance of nationality.

Read next: Fernando Alonso holds top-level FIA talks after Lewis Hamilton incident draws complaint

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