FIA's Top Formula 1 Legal Players Depart from Organization

In a significant development, two key legal executives, Pierre Ketterer and Edward Floydd, are set to leave the International Automobile Federation (FIA), raising questions about the impact on Formula 1 governance. Ketterer, the Governance and Regulatory Director, and Floydd, the Head of Commercial Legal Affairs, played pivotal roles in the FIA’s legal department, particularly in Formula 1-related matters.

Pierre Ketterer, a legal heavyweight at the FIA since 2010, contributed significantly to the organiz ation’s disciplinary cases and compliance issues. He was a key negotiator for the current Concorde Agreement, involved in creating judicial and disciplinary rules, and played a crucial role in developing the COVID-19 code of conduct for the resumption of F1 in 2020. Ketterer’s departure, effective April, was confirmed during the recent F1 Commission meeting.

Reflecting on Ketterer’s departure, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed gratitude for his invaluable contributions and professionalism. Ketterer’s move to the International Olympic Committee in April marks a significant shift in his career after 14 years of dedicated service to the FIA. Despite the departure, Ben Sulayem expressed confidence in the capable team Ketterer has put in place, ensuring the governance and regulatory affairs remain in good hands.

Edward Floydd, as the Head of Commercial Legal Affairs, was a key figure in civil and commercial legal matters at the FIA. He served as the lead legal negotiator for championship promoter agreements and was actively involved in Concorde Agreement discussions. Floydd’s departure adds to the recent exodus of staff from the FIA, including notable figures like former F1 Sporting Director Steve Nielsen and Technical Director Tim Goss.

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The departure of Ketterer and Floydd raises questions about the potential impact on Formula 1’s legal landscape, considering their involvement in crucial negotiations and regulatory affairs. Both executives played integral roles in shaping the legal framework governing the sport. Their exits follow a broader trend of staff departures from the FIA in recent months, including Deborah Mayer, former president of the Women in Motorsport Commission.

In response to these departures, the FIA has embarked on a large-scale transformation over the past 12 months, creating 10 new departments to enhance the organization’s fitness for the future. The restructuring includes the appointment of a Chief Legal Officer, Paul O’Dowd, formerly with McLaren Applied. The FIA spokesperson highlighted that while some individuals are departing for new opportunities, there have been strategic additions to the management team, emphasizing a commitment to sport and mobility.

As the FIA undergoes a period of transition and restructuring, the impact of these changes on Formula 1’s governance and legal affairs remains a topic of interest. The organization’s ability to maintain stability and effectiveness in its legal department will be closely watched, especially with the challenges and negotiations associated with the ever-evolving landscape of Formula 1.