The FIA have announced a restructuring of the single-seater department that covers series including Formula 1. F1's governing body has created a new structure with new technical and sporting directors to oversee the ladder from the junior series right up to Grand Prix racing. Nikolas Tombazis (below right) - the former Benetton, McLaren and Ferrari engineer - has been promoted to Single Seater Director, with his remit placing him in charge of F1's technical matters, as the FIA are responsible for creating the sport's rulebook. Concurrently, an all-new Sporting Director role has been created, with Steve Nielsen (below left) set to take up those responsibilities from a similar position at F1 itself. In this role, Race Directors, such as Niels Wittich, will report directly to former Williams Sporting Director Nielsen. Other new FIA appointments include Tim Goss taking on the role of Technical Director previously held by Tombazis, and Federico Lodi becoming the director responsible for F1's new financial regulations, after having served in a similar role with Toro Rosso.
FIA in 'best position' to move forward - Ben Sulayem
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the new appointments reflected the organisation's desire to improve the governance of F1. "We have dedicated a lot of time and effort to making significant, informed changes to our Formula 1 team to create the right structure with the right people to oversee the future regulation of the sport," said Ben Sulayem. "By developing and empowering people within our organisation, as well as bringing in expertise and experience from the outside, I am confident that we are in the best position possible to move forward together with our partners at FOM and the Formula 1 teams.” Tombazis expressed his gratitude at his promotion. “I am excited and honoured to be taking on this new position within the FIA, and very grateful to the President for the trust he is demonstrating towards me," he said. "We have a group of extremely talented and dedicated people who work flat out to deliver the level of regulation that Formula 1 demands and deserves, and I fully believe this new structure will take our resources to the next level and allow us to make continual improvements." Tombazis is one of several ex-Ferrari employees to have been appointed to a senior administrative role related to F1's governance, with Stefano Domenicali currently CEO of F1, and Ross Brawn having served as Managing Director until his recent retirement. Additionally, former Ferrari Team Principal Jean Todt recently stepped down after an eight-year spell as FIA President.
Domenicali hails Nielsen contribution
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali paid tribute to Nielsen as he moves over from F1 to the FIA. “I want to thank Steve Nielsen for his hard work and dedication over the past five years at Formula 1," said Domenicali. "He is a highly respected professional in our sport, and we fully support his move to the FIA. His skills and experience in Formula 1 will assist the FIA in its ongoing efforts to improve their operations during race weekends.” Domenicali and Tombazis are among several ex-Ferrari employees to have been appointed to senior administrative roles related to F1's governance, with Ross Brawn having served as F1 Managing Director until his recent retirement, and former Ferrari Team Principal Jean Todt recently stepping down after an eight-year spell as FIA President.
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