Tim Mayer declares bid for FIA presidency against Ben Sulayem
Tim Mayer Announces Candidacy for FIA Presidency
In a move set to shake up the world of motorsport governance, Tim Mayer, a prominent American figure in the industry, announced his candidacy on Friday for the presidency of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). Mayer is challenging Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the incumbent president, in a high-stakes election scheduled for December.
A Familiar Name in Motorsport
Mayer, 59, is a familiar name in global motorsport. A seasoned former Formula 1 steward and the son of legendary McLaren team principal Teddy Mayer, he previously held an influential role within the FIA before exiting the organization last November. At the time, Mayer alleged that he was fired via text by an assistant to Ben Sulayem, a claim the FIA has firmly disputed.
Speaking at a press conference near Silverstone, ahead of the British Grand Prix, Mayer was candid about the state of the FIA. “What I see is a failure in leadership right now,” he told assembled reporters, revealing that his campaign had been in the works for six months.
The Challenges Ahead
Mayer is under no illusions about the challenge he faces in his bid for FIA presidency, describing the task as "Herculean" and acknowledging that “the deck [is] stacked in Ben Sulayem's favor.” Recent changes to the FIA statutes, combined with the limited five-month window to secure votes from member federations across the globe, add further complexity to his campaign.
The American hopeful refrained from divulging specific details about his presidential team, a mandatory requirement for the election, but admitted that not all positions on his list had been finalized. However, Mayer expressed confidence in his support network, citing strong backing from Motorsport UK and confirming that Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Liberty Media-owned Formula 1, had been informed of his intentions.
“The job now is to go out and explain to lots of small clubs around the world ... why we can do a better job,” Mayer emphasized. “Explaining how we can bring value and restructure the FIA to do a better job. I do feel restructuring needs to happen.”
Incumbent Faces First Challenge
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a former rally driver from the United Arab Emirates, is seeking a second term as FIA president. Mayer’s candidacy marks the first formal opposition to Ben Sulayem, who, until now, had appeared poised for an uncontested re-election after Spain’s Carlos Sainz Sr., a two-time world rally champion, opted not to stand.
Mayer, however, downplayed suggestions that his campaign was contingent on Sainz's absence, stating he would have pursued the presidency regardless. Addressing concerns over a potential conflict of interest due to his family’s historical association with McLaren, Mayer dismissed the notion outright.
FIA at a Crossroads
The FIA, the governing body overseeing Formula 1, Formula E, the World Rally Championship, and other motorsport series, is at a crossroads. Mayer’s candidacy promises to bring fresh ideas and scrutiny to an organization grappling with modernization and growing global responsibilities.
As the December vote approaches, the motorsport world will be watching closely to see how Mayer’s reform-focused vision contrasts with Ben Sulayem’s leadership agenda. For now, the race for the FIA’s top position has become an intriguing subplot in the broader motorsport narrative.
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