Why Has the FIA Fired its DEI & Sustainability Chief?
Formula 1’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), has dismissed its Head of Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion, Sara Mariani, following the elimination of her role in a sweeping internal restructure.
The move marks the latest in a series of high-profile departures from the FIA and has raised fresh questions about the organisation’s commitment to progressive values and governance.
A role erased, a message sent
Sara, who joined the FIA after an eight-month recruitment process and held her position for just 18 months, was informed this week that her role would be abolished.
Her responsibilities have now been split between two separate departments: sustainability will fall under the Secretary General for Mobility, Willem Groenewald, while diversity and inclusion will be overseen by Senior Human Resources Director Alessandra Malhame.
"This new structure will allow the FIA to combine its internal and external efforts on D&I – bringing together the overlapping remits of improving D&I within the organisation and in the wider industries of motorsport and mobility," the FIA statement says.
In a pointed farewell note set as her out-of-office email, Sara appeared to criticise the FIA’s leadership and culture. She 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.
“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”.
FIA’s justification: “strengthening capabilities”
The FIA characterised the restructuring as a strategic move to “strengthen our capabilities across these two crucial areas.”
“The decision to restructure our Sustainability and D&I function has been taken, after careful consideration by the senior leadership team, to strengthen our capabilities across these two crucial areas," says Alberto Villareal, General Manager at the FIA.
"The FIA has an important role to play in driving sustainable practices across motor sport and mobility and providing our Member Clubs with the tools to effect change on the ground. By connecting more closely with our Members on topics such as sustainable fuel, smart cities, and diversity in sport, we can achieve a bigger impact.
“As we continue to streamline our internal operations and improve our systems and processes within the FIA, we are confident that this structural change will enable us to maximise on the value we are delivering to all of our stakeholders.”
By connecting more closely with member clubs on issues like sustainable fuel, smart cities, and diversity in sport, Alberto claimed the FIA could “achieve a bigger impact”.
The organisation also expressed gratitude for Sara’s leadership, stating, “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”.
Questions over commitment to diversity and sustainability
The FIA’s decision to dissolve the unified role of Head of Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion has sparked debate about its genuine commitment to these values.
"Following a period of review, the FIA has taken the decision to restructure the operations of this function to enable its respective teams across Sustainability and D&I to operate in a more agile and effective way, and to strategically align them with other areas of the FIA," the FIA said.
"This review formed part of the FIA’s wider internal structural review, as it continues to streamline its internal operations and transform the organisation."
The FIA has highlighted that 32% of its workforce are women, with nearly half of those in senior positions, and pointed to initiatives such as appointing its first female CEO and establishing a commission for equality, diversity, and inclusion.
However, both the CEO and Sara lasted only 18 months in their roles, raising questions about the organisation’s ability to retain top female talent and deliver on its promises.
Looking ahead
As the FIA continues to streamline its operations under Ben Sulayem’s leadership, the motorsport world will be watching to see whether the new structure delivers on its stated ambitions—or whether the loss of dedicated leadership in sustainability and inclusion will mark a setback for Formula 1’s progressive agenda.
The abrupt nature of Sara’s exit, and her parting words, suggest that the debate over the FIA’s direction is far from over.
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