FIA’s compliance officer steps down

The FIA’s compliance officer Paolo Basarri is no longer in his position, the BBC is reporting.

An FIA spokesperson declined to comment on the report when approached by RaceFans.

Last year the governing body’s compliance division investigated an alleged exchange of confidential information between F1 team principal Toto Wolff and F1 Academy CEO Susie Wolff, who are married. The investigation concluded within two days of it being announced. Susie Wolff later announced she was taking legal action against the FIA.

In March this year the compliance department cleared FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem over allegations of interference in two rounds of the 2023 world championship. It declared the claims were “unsubstantiated” and “strong evidence beyond any reasonable doubt was presented to support the determination of the FIA Ethics Committee.”

Basarri, who has previously worked in compliance roles for Fiat Chrysler and Japan Tobacco, joined the FIA in 2017. Last year he issued Lance Stroll a written warning after footage emerged of him appearing to push an Aston Martin team member during the Qatar Grand Prix.

Basarri is said to have left the FIA last week. He is the second significant figure to leave the governing body this month.

On Tuesday the FIA confirmed F1 race director Niels Wittich had left with immediate effect “to pursue other opportunities”, though he later stated he had “not resigned.” The FIA confirmed Formula 2 race director Rui Marques as his replacement.

Last week F1 drivers expressed their frustration with recent penalties issued by the FIA’s stewards regarding drivers swearing in press conferences, as well as past clampdowns on their compliance with regulations regarding jewellery and fireproof underwear. They also urged the FIA to clarify how it uses the money raised from fines levied on drivers and teams.

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