It’s been reported by BBC Sport that the FIA have lost a third senior figure in just a matter of weeks, with single-seater technical director Tim Goss having departed.
Goss has followed sporting director Steve Nielsen and head of the FIA’s commission for women, Deborah Mayer, out of the exit door at the governing body.
Goss’ departure has further increased the pressure on FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, given how many senior figures have now chosen to leave.
Following the leading engineer’s exit, FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis has revealed that the governing body are “disappointed” to see Goss leave.
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“We are disappointed to lose a person of Tim’s calibre from the organisation,” Tombazis said, as reported by BBC Sport. “Tim has played a major part in the technical department and has always operated to the highest level.
“We understand that his career is taking a new direction going forward and we support and respect his desire to pursue another path.”
A replacement for Goss is yet to be announced by the FIA, who have only recently confirmed that Nielsen will be replaced by Tim Malyon, who has been the FIA’s safety director since 2021.
Goss has commented on his departure, with the FIA quoting him has having said he believes the FIA are “on a firm footing” ahead of the 2026 power unit regulations.
An FIA statement quoted Goss saying: “I believe the organisation is on a firm footing in terms of technical expertise for the tasks which lie ahead – particularly the introduction of the 2026 regulations.”
At 60 years old, Goss is hugely experienced, having been McLaren’s technical director from 2014 to 2018.
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Losing Goss is a massive blow to the FIA, with one F1 senior figure having told BBC Sport that the governing body is in a “total mess”.
It’s a worrying way to start 2024 for the FIA president, whose leadership has faced several questions as of late, particularly following the recent allegations made towards F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff.
The FIA could even have legal action taken against them, with it being reportedly considered by the Wolff family.