Mohammed Ben Sulayem, previously dismissed, seeks to contest for the presidency of the FIA
In a dramatic turn of events, Tim Mayer, a former Formula 1 steward with over 15 years of experience, has announced his intention to challenge Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the presidency of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) later this year. The election is scheduled for December 12, 2025, at the FIA general assembly in Uzbekistan.
Mayer's decision to challenge Ben Sulayem is not personal, according to his statement. Instead, it is a call for new energy, focus, and renewed integrity within the organisation. His campaign, dubbed "FIA Forward," emphasises the need for change and restructuring, particularly in light of the controversies and criticisms surrounding Ben Sulayem's leadership.
Ben Sulayem, who replaced Michael Masi as race director in 2022, shortly after the 2021 F1 world championship controversy, has been the subject of various controversies since becoming FIA president in 2021. Criticisms include centralisation of power, unkept promises, conflicts, leadership failures, and recent statutory changes that some believe have stacked the deck in his favour.
One such controversy involved Mayer himself, when he was sacked as an F1 steward by Ben Sulayem last November. Mayer claimed he was fired via text message, a claim the FIA disputes. Additionally, Ben Sulayem has faced whistleblower complaints and investigations for allegedly trying to intervene in Formula 1 race results, as well as accusations of sexism, swearing, and poor driver relations.
Mayer, who has held positions in various racing series including Indycar, the American Le Mans sports car series, and the International Motor Sports Association, is comfortable in both motorsport and mobility sectors. He has spent the last six months educating himself on the mobility side to prepare for his campaign.
However, Mayer faces significant challenges, including the need to win votes from member federations in a short timeframe. The elections for the FIA presidency will take place in December 2023, with Tim Mayer's former colleague, Janette Tan, also reportedly considering a run for the position.
The FIA governs Formula 1, and Tim Mayer's challenge for the presidency against Mohammed Ben Sulayem highlights several controversies and criticisms surrounding Ben Sulayem's leadership. Whether these concerns will lead to a shift in power remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the race for the FIA presidency is heating up.
Sports enthusiasts eagerly await the FIA presidential election later this year, as Tim Mayer, an experienced former Formula 1 steward, announces his bid to challenge incumbent president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Mayer's campaign, titled "FIA Forward," advocates for change and restructuring in response to the controversies and criticisms surrounding Ben Sulayem's tenure, including centralization of power, unkept promises, and alleged attempts to intervene in Formula 1 race results.
