FIA reacts on death of Spa-Francorchamps CEO

Sunday, the sad news came out that Nathalie Maillet, the current director of the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, has died. Maillet would have been killed together with her mistress, a lawyer, by her male partner. It would have been, as the Belgians call it, a 'passionate drama'.

FIA deeply saddened

Following Maillet's death, the FIA released a statement."We are deeply saddened by the terrible news that our friend Nathalie Maillet has passed away," the FIA announced on its website. "The FIA has learned with sadness of the tragic death of Nathalie Maillet. Nathalie was the Chief Executive Officer of Circuit of Spa Francorchamps since 2016, during which time she oversaw a major development of the iconic circuit that hosts a number of FIA Championships. On behalf of the entire motorsport community, we would like to extend our condolences to her family and friends."

Reaction from Spa-Francorchamps

Melchior Wathelet, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, also came forward with an official response today. "It is with immense sadness that the teams of the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps have learned of the death of Nathalie Maillet, General Manager. My thoughts go out to Nathalie's family, her parents, her relatives but also her teams. I know how much this news will move her staff and, on behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the entire Circuit team."

"On this particularly painful day, all staff wish to express their sincere condolences to Nathalie's family and loved ones. The Circuit, but also motor racing, lose today a passionate woman, strong in her convictions with her eyes always focused on the future." On 29 August, the twelfth Grand Prix of the season will be held at Spa-Francorchamps. It is the first race after the summer break for Formula 1.