dispute over non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) led to key FIA officials, including Deputy President Robert Reid and UK representative David Richards, being barred from a World Motorsport Council meeting. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem enforced a stricter NDA to prevent leaks, which some members refused to sign.

Legal discussions are ongoing, raising concerns about the legitimacy of decisions made at the meeting, including a new rule mandating two pit stops at the Monaco Grand Prix. FIA statutes state that all council members have the right to attend and vote.

Ben Sulayem has faced multiple controversies since taking office in 2021, including criticism of his leadership style and rule changes. He has also been accused of limiting accountability within the FIA.

Meanwhile, the FIA is facing legal action from Susie Wolff following an abandoned compliance inquiry in 2023. Insiders suggest Ben Sulayem’s recent actions may be linked to concerns over media scrutiny or potential statute changes ahead of his re-election bid in December 2025. So far, no candidates have stepped forward to challenge him.