The F1 department of the FIA is expanding with the arrival of Nielsen and the promotion of Tombazis, among others
One month before the launch of the 2023 Formula 1 season, the FIA is restructuring its management team in charge of the premier category. Nikolas Tombazis becomes the Director of Single-Seaters, while Steve Nielsen takes on the role of Sports Director of the FIA. Tim Gross is also promoted, and François Sicard is changing roles.
The FIA has just announced today significant updates to its structure in Formula 1 following an internal review of procedures initiated by its President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, earlier this year.
New sports director
The former sports director, François Sicard, will take on a new position, created within the FIA as the director of strategy and operations for Formula 1. Departing from the FOM, Steve Nielsen joins the FIA as the sports director and will be responsible, notably, for the Sporting Regulations. He will also oversee the development of the race direction and the remote operations center that supports it (equivalent to VAR).
“We have dedicated a lot of time and effort to making significant and informed changes to our Formula 1 team in order to create the right structure with the right people to oversee the future regulation of the sport,” comments Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
By developing and empowering individuals within our organization, and by bringing in outside expertise and experience, I am confident that we are in the best possible position to move forward with our partners of the FOM and Formula 1 teams.
The new sports director of the FIA, Steve Nielsen – formerly an engineer for many teams such as Tyrrell, Honda, Renault, and Williams, explains: “I have spent my professional life working for many teams and organizations in Formula 1, and I am excited to embark on a new chapter with the FIA.”
(I) I would like to thank both the president and Stefano Domenicali for the trust they have placed in me, and I understand and appreciate the unique challenges that come with being the regulatory body. Having worked closely with a number of individuals within the Federation over the years, I look forward to taking on the challenges that lie ahead – Formula 1 is in an excellent position right now, and it is our responsibility to ensure the future health of the sport that is at the core of everything we do.
New single-seat director
Nikolas Tombazis becomes the single-seater director. He previously held the position of technical director, which is now in the hands of Tim Goss (after having been his deputy in 2021).
Freshly appointed single-seater director, Nikolas Tombazis declares: “I am thrilled and honored to take on this new position within the FIA, and very grateful to the president for the trust he shows in me. We have an extremely talented and dedicated group of people working tirelessly to provide the level of regulation that Formula 1 demands and deserves, and I am confident that this new structure will take our resources to the next level and enable us to bring about continuous improvements.”
Also note that Federico Lodi, previously in charge of the Financial Regulation at the FIA, is now the Chief Financial Officer of Formula 1 and will be responsible for financial regulations, particularly related to the budget cap.
