The FIA has come under a lot of scrutiny from F1 fans in particular. To add to this, Steve Nielsen who started his job as FIA’s sporting director has left the FIA. He joined his role in January 2023 and did not even stick around for a year.
While Steve has not mentioned his reason for leaving the governing body, some sources have given some insight into the situation inside the FIA. The rumors surrounding the incident do not seem to be in favor of the FIA. We could see some additional drama in the coming weeks.
Steve Nielsen unhappy with FIA’s operations?
With Steve Nielsen leaving the FIA within the year, there has been a lot of curiosity as to why he left. Being the Sporting Director of the FIA is one of the most prestigious roles in motorsports. However, Nielsen had no problems leaving.
F1 insiders have told BBC that Steve was not very happy with how the FIA was running its operations. While Nielsen reportedly suggested some changes to be made, the FIA was unwilling to do so. This may not look very good for the FIA as they are already under a lot of criticism over the Wolff debacle.
Steve Nielsen has left his role as Sporting Director at the FIA, which oversees important F1 sporting matters. #F1 https://t.co/qiiJHz2DSy
— Rory Mitchell (@RoryMitchell) December 23, 2023
Nielsen previously worked with a number of F1 teams before becoming the sporting director for Formula 1. Given his long and successful history, he formed a lot of relationships with a number of teams and drivers. Going into the FIA, he was supported by all the teams and drivers. They were hoping that Nielsen would be able to fix the FIA from the inside. However, things don’t seem to have worked out.
Nielsen himself is yet to comment on this. There is a chance that we could hear an official statement from him in the coming days.
Has Steve Nielsen’s departure put FIA’s relationship with F1 at risk?
Since Steve Nielsen’s move to the FIA was supported by all the teams and drivers in F1, they might not be too happy about his departure. Naturally, if the teams and drivers are unhappy, so is F1. This could put the FIA’s relationship with F1 at risk.
The FIA receives a large amount of its revenue from Formula 1. It is after all the most popular motorsport in the world. So it is vital for the FIA to maintain their relationship with the owners, Liberty Media. But the FIA’s recent actions have not been viewed in good spirit by Liberty Media.
A week ago, the FIA launched an investigation on Toto Wolff and his wife, Susie Wolff stating that they exchanged classified information to which Susie has access in her role as F1 Academy’s managing director.
The @fia is a joke of an organisation and not fit for purpose. https://t.co/573HPDZthv pic.twitter.com/1eMyGPWHSG
— Jay 🏁 (@WhingerSpice) December 23, 2023
The investigation was launched based on an article that mentioned one of the teams had suspected it. However, soon after the investigation was launched, all the teams took to social media to support the Wolff Family. FIA had no choice but to drop the investigation. However, the Wolff family still doesn’t want to rest as they want to understand who initiated the investigation without enough proof.
Formula 1 also showed their support towards the Wolff family. There was also a rumor that F1 was considering breaking away from the FIA. The departure of Nielsen is nothing but fuel for these rumors. Given that F1, the teams, and the drivers will not be happy with Nielsen’s departure, they could start leaning towards going rogue.
It will be interesting to see how F1 and the FIA go ahead with their operations in the coming weeks and months. Do you think F1 should break away from the FIA? Post your answers in the comments section below.