FIA sacks head of sustainability, diversity and inclusion

• Mariani ‘did not expect it would end so abruptly’
• Her department will now be split across two divisions

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has sacked Sara Mariani as its head of sustainability, diversity and inclusion.

Mariani’s role was made redundant after the FIA carried out an internal restructure that split her responsibilities across two separate divisions. BBC Sport has reported that her email now sends an out of office response.

‘It is, sadly, time to say goodbye,’ the email read. ‘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.

‘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.’

A statement from the FIA said: ‘As a result of these changes and the new leadership arrangements, Sustainability and D&I director Sara Mariani will leave the federation on 20th June 2025.

“The FIA is immensely grateful to Sara for her hard work and for her leadership of this team since 2023, and has taken steps to ensure that Sara is fully supported as she makes this transition.”

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Mariani is the latest in a long line of departures from motorsport’s governing body. Her exit comes after Robert Reid resigned earlier this year and accused the organisation of a “breakdown in governance standards”.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, has also overseen the departures of senior executives like Niels Wittich as Formula One race director and former chief executive Natalie Robyn.

The latest exit comes after the FIA approved controversial amendments to its statutes, including bringing forward the deadline for candidates for December’s presidential election, which would reduce the time for potential contenders to pull together their campaign.

Ben Sulayem’s time as president has been dogged by controversy, but he currently looks set to run for re-election unopposed.

The Emirati previously pointed to his creation of the sustainability, diversity and inclusion department to disprove sexism allegations after historic comments emerged where he claimed he does ‘not like women who think they are smarter than men’.