Although it was initially reported that Robyn had left the position by mutual agreement to pursue new opportunities, it has now emerged that she was forced to resign following disagreements with President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The former executive expressed particular concern over the exclusion of key stakeholders from decision-making processes, which she believes “undermines the foundations of a strong organization.” Robyn also expressed her sadness over recent developments, stating that they jeopardize both the credibility and effectiveness of the FIA.

Internal crisis and key departures

Robyn’s statements are not an isolated event, but part of a wave of resignations and dismissals that have shaken the FIA over the past year. Following her departure, Bertrand Badre, head of the audit committee, and member Tom Purves also left, in addition to the dismissal of compliance officer Paolo Basarri, who had been investigating the alleged interference by Ben Sulayem in races during 2023. This series of exits has revealed a deepening internal fracture and has placed the management of the current president under scrutiny, as his influence and leadership style are increasingly questioned by former collaborators.

The controversy deepens as Ben Sulayem seeks to lead a proposal to change the 2026 engine regulations in Formula 1 ahead of schedule, aiming to return to naturally aspirated V10 engines. While Ferrari and Red Bull support the initiative, Mercedes, Honda, and Audi are strongly opposed. The political undertone of this proposal also raises questions, particularly due to the influence of figures like Bernie Ecclestone and Christian Horner in the president’s strategy. All of this comes just months before the FIA presidential elections, where, despite the growing discontent, no clear challenger has emerged to dispute Ben Sulayem’s power—who, according to some sources, maintains strong support through financial incentives offered to member federations.

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After 14 years, the current French director leaves the position she assumed in 2010, although she stated that she will continue to be linked in some way to motorsports, her great passion for more than 50 years. “I hope to continue doing other things, but in the WRC I decided to leave. I started in 1973 and I will soon be 73 years old. So I thought it was a good time to do it and also to leave this place to the younger ones. I did my job, I am very happy that the program continues,” she commented when confirming her farewell.

Michéle is an absolute legend of motorsports and a pioneer in opening paths for women in a world that looks through the eyes of a man. She broke paradigms, motivated thousands and, in addition, was always at the service of the sport she loves.

 

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THE HISTORY OF THE RALLY CHANGED

Her first automotive experience was at age 14, driving her father’s car in France. She would arrive at the rally in 1972, invited to watch the Corsica Rally by the Italian Jean Taibi, who transformed her from a mere spectator to his co-driver in 1973. In the Monte Carlo Rally that year she would make her debut as a navigator. Afterwards, everything would be for the history books.

Michéle Mouton’s competitive debut as a driver on her own was in 1974, precisely in Córdega, where she drove an Alpine that her father gave her. From then on she only added successes, winning, for example, the French Women’s Rally Championship in that year of her debut. In 1981 he would make the big leap in the World Rally Championship by signing for Audi and with it, successes would also come.

Mouton was the first woman to sign for a large team in the world of rallying and also with great results. In 1981 he won the Sanremo Rally, the sixth stage of a season in which he finished in eighth place. And the following year, he would simply be the big star on the track. He finished in second place after the 11 rounds of the World Cup, where he had the luxury of winning in Portugal, Acropolis and Brazil.

In 1985 he would leave Audi to join Peugeot until his retirement from the track in October 1986.

PERIOD WOMAN

The doors that Michéle Mouton opened only by following her passion have endured over time. In 2010 she began her journey as a WRC director before the FIA, worrying about safety and the calendar of the year, among other functions. But before, in 2009, she already showed herself to be an effective and motivating person of her gender.

The Women in Motorsports Commission was created in 2009 and since then Michéle has been its president. “There are already very successful women working in this sport, but we also have to invest in the future and encourage younger generations to see it as a world of equal opportunities,” said the Frenchwoman.

The Queen of Speed, the one who changed the paradigms, the one who wrote history. Michéle Mouton, an insatiable legend who leaves her position in the FIA.

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