The FIA has confirmed the sacking of its sustainability, diversity and inclusion head Sara Mariani in the latest in a series of high-profile dismissals.
Mariani wrote what appeared to be a note criticising Formula One’s governing body as her dismissal was confirmed on Wednesday.
She had been in the role for just 18 months before her sacking.
In a note left on her email out-of-office, Mariani 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.”
The role of sustainability, diversity and inclusion head was removed during an internal restructuring of the FIA.
Moving forward, Mariani’s former responsibilities will be split across two departments.
FIA Releases Statement On Mariani Sacking
The FIA said in a statement that sustainability would now fall under the remit of the mobility secretary general, Willem Groenewald.
Meanwhile, diversity and inclusion will now come under senior human resources director, Alessandra Malhame.
According to the FIA, this will now “allow the FIA to combine its internal and external efforts on D&I”.
The FIA has sacked its head of sustainability, diversity and inclusion, Sara Mariani, in a restructure. This is what she had to say on her departure 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/ULScmCps9X
— Autosport (@autosport) June 19, 2025
Mariani took on her role with the FIA in December 2023. But following a ‘period of review’, the governing body has decided to remove her position.
She becomes the second high-profile FIA figure to leave in 2025.
Earlier this year, Deputy President for Sport, Robert Reid, resigned.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem Seeking Re-Election
As well as resignations, the FIA has continued to dismiss key figures under the presidency of Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The Emirati former rally driver, 63, is running for re-election this year, and is currently unopposed.
In the last year alone, Sulayem has sacked a number of top FIA staff members.
Major FIA Staff Sacked in 2025:
- Head of compliance – Paolo Basarri.
- Head of the audit committee – Bertrand Badre.
- Committee member – Tom Purves.
- Chief executive officer – Natalie Robyn.
- F1 race director Niels Wittich.
- Senior F1 steward – Tim Mayer.
- Deputy Formula 2 race director – Janette Tan.
Critics of Ben Sulayem argue that these dismissals reduce accountability for the president.
Seen by some to be cementing his authority and removing checks and balances to his power, there are growing concerns.
Sulayem has been a divisive figure as FIA president. He faced huge backlash for instigating the Formula One driver swearing ban, eventually climging down somewhat.
He also received criticism for alleged misogynistic remarks made in the past.
But in his defence, Sulayem pointed to his creation of the FIA’s commission for equality, diversity and inclusion.
He also pointed out his appointing of a female CEO.
What Does FIA Stand For?
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is the major governing body for a number of motorsport categories, including Formula One.
Established in 1904, it’s headquarters are in Paris, with offices in London, Geneva and Valleiry.
The FIA has 245 member organisations across 149 countries.
Most famously, the FIA sanctions and licenses the Formula One world Championship.
Earlier this year, the FIA approved General Motors’ F1 engine application.
But it is also the governing body for the World Rally Championship, World Endurance Championship, TCR World Tour, World Rallycross Championship, Formula E, and numerous other categories of racing.
