The FIA has removed the position of Head of Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion as part of an internal restructure, resulting in the departure of Sara Mariani after just 18 months in the role. The move comes during a period of ongoing leadership changes and governance concerns within Formula 1’s governing body under President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Mariani leaves with critical message
Sara Mariani, who joined the FIA in December 2023 following an eight-month recruitment process, left the organization on Wednesday. In an out-of-office email message, she wrote:
“There is a life outside the FIA. A life where talent and dedication are rewarded. Where women in leadership positions can thrive, feel valued and respected.”
She added:
“It is, sadly, time to say goodbye. I loved the ride, I enjoyed every minute of it. I enjoyed the amazing work we did and my incredibly talented team. I did not expect it would end so abruptly but life goes on.”
FIA splits responsibilities across department
The FIA stated that Mariani’s responsibilities would now be handled separately by two existing departments. Sustainability will fall under the Secretary General for Mobility, Willem Groenewald, while diversity and inclusion will be overseen by Senior Human Resources Director Alessandra Malhame.
A statement from FIA General Manager Alberto Villareal said the changes would “strengthen our capabilities across these two crucial areas.”
The organization explained that the decision was made “following a period of review.”
Malhame added: “The FIA is committed to advancing opportunities for women within the organisation, and across mobility and motorsport… and are proud that 32% of our workforce are women in a male-dominated industry.”
An FIA spokesperson also said:
“Of the almost 100 women working at the FIA, nearly half (47%) of those are in senior positions. Examples include Emilia Abel, who runs global road sport, and Rebecca Lee, head of single-seater operations and the FIA’s first female official F1 starter.”
The FIA’s statement did not explain how moving sustainability to the mobility division would enhance outcomes in that area. The organization is divided into two key areas: motorsport and mobility (which focuses on road transport policy).
Another Departure in a Growing List of Firings
Mariani’s exit is the second high-profile departure from the FIA this year, following the resignation of Deputy President for Sport Robert Reid in April. It continues a trend under Sulayem’s presidency that has seen the removal or resignation of several senior figures, including:
- Head of Compliance Paolo Basarri
- Audit Committee Head Bertrand Badre
- Audit Committee Member Tom Purves
- CEO Natalie Robyn
- F1 Race Director Niels Wittich
- Senior F1 Steward Tim Mayer
- Deputy Formula 2 Race Director Janette Tan
Many of these exits come amid internal restructuring and rule changes, with critics accusing Sulayem of consolidating power and weakening accountability. Recent changes to the FIA statutes were described by one opponent as a “dark period of democratic backsliding.”
Ongoing Scrutiny of Sulayem’s Leadership
Sulayem, who is currently running unopposed for re-election, has faced a series of controversies since taking office. These include the resurfacing of misogynistic remarks from a historic website. In response to criticism over those remarks, Sulayem pointed to his establishment of the FIA’s commission for equality, diversity, and inclusion.
He also highlighted his appointment of the FIA’s first female CEO—Natalie Robyn—as evidence of his commitment to progress in the organization. Robyn, like Mariani, held her role for just 18 months.
