FIA Faces Turmoil as Tim Goss, Single-Seater Technical Director, Departs Amid Leadership Shake-Up

Benjamin Bull January 8, 2024

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Race winner Jenson Button (2nd R) of Great Britain and McLaren, second placed Fernando Alonso (L) of Spain and Ferrari, third placed Felipe Massa (R) of Brazil and Ferrari and McLaren Director of Engineering Tim Goss (2nd L) celebrate on the podium following the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 25, 2012 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Leading engineer Tim Goss has stepped down from his position as the single-seater technical director of the FIA, motorsport’s governing body. Goss, expected to join a Formula 1 team, marks the third senior departure from the FIA in a month, following sporting director Steve Nielsen and Deborah Mayer, head of the FIA’s commission for women. The FIA has yet to name a replacement for Goss, while Tim Malyon will succeed Nielsen. Goss, a former technical director at McLaren, expressed confidence in the FIA’s technical expertise for the upcoming 2026 regulations despite his departure.

The FIA’s single-seater director, Nikolas Tombazis, expressed disappointment at losing Goss but acknowledged his decision to pursue a new direction. Meanwhile, Derek Beaumont, owner of the FIA, conveyed excitement about receiving the upcoming season’s fixtures and expressed anticipation for the year ahead. The unexpected departure of key figures from the FIA, including Goss, Nielsen, and Mayer, has raised questions about the organization’s stability and prompted concerns within the motorsport community.

The turmoil within the FIA coincides with significant changes in its leadership, with Tim Malyon stepping into Nielsen’s role as sporting director. Despite the challenges, Malyon, with extensive experience in motorsport, is expected to contribute to refining the FIA’s sporting and regulatory practices. As the organization navigates internal changes, the focus remains on delivering a compelling season of racing, with the support of fans and stakeholders.

The departures and internal challenges within the FIA add an element of uncertainty to the organization’s direction, creating a backdrop of complexity as it strives to maintain its position as motorsport’s governing authority. The dynamics between F1 teams, commercial rights holders, and the FIA further complicate the landscape, highlighting the need for cohesive leadership and strategic decision-making. The motorsport community will be closely watching how the FIA addresses these issues and steers the sport forward in the coming seasons.