The crisis is deepening for FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem after it was confirmed that Natalie Robyn had left her position as chief executive officer of the organisation after just 18 months in the role. Robyn, 40, has become the fourth prominent senior figure to depart from motorsport’s governing body since December, following sporting director Steve Nielsen, technical director Tim Goss, and head of the commission for women Deborah Mayer out of the door.

In a released statement, the FIA said that the dual US and Spanish citizen had left her tole by ‘mutual consent’, and praised her impact since her appointment. “Throughout the past 18 months, Natalie has spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of the federation’s operational structure, playing a pivotal role in modernising the FIA, enhancing governance, and securing sustainable financial stability,” they said.

“Natalie’s appointment to the role of CEO in November 2022 marked a milestone, leveraging her 18-year career encompassing roles within both the automotive and finance sectors. Her decision to pursue opportunities outside of the FIA has prompted her departure from the organisation by mutual agreement, effective at the end of May.”

Robyn said: “Performing in the role of CEO at the FIA has been an enormous privilege and I am grateful to have directed a programme of restructuring and reform. Now is the time to step away in the knowledge that the organisation is better placed for the challenges which lie ahead.”

"I love that she's taken it out of this [F1] world, because there is a real lack of accountability here,” he said. “Within this sport, within the FIA, things that are happening behind closed doors.

“There is no transparency, there is really no accountability, and we need that. I think the fans need that. How can you trust the sport and what is happening here if you don't have that?”