Tim Mayer To Oppose Ben Sulayem for FIA Presidency: 'Viable Alternative'

Last Updated:July 04, 2025, 16:05 IST

Tim Mayer will challenge FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem in December's election, aiming to restore democracy and improve management, focusing on sustainability and safety.

Tim Mayer announces his candidacy. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

American motorsport official Tim Mayer has announced his candidacy for the presidency of the FIA, motorsport’s global governing body, in the upcoming December election.

Mayer, 59, is set to challenge the current president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has held the position since December 2021.

Ben Sulayem’s tenure has been marked by significant criticism regarding his leadership. In April, Robert Reid resigned as FIA deputy president for sport, protesting the organisation’s management.

Mayer’s decision to run follows less than a year after Ben Sulayem dismissed him as a Formula 1 steward. Mayer explained his campaign is centered on “restoring genuine democracy" within the FIA, countering the centralisation of power under Ben Sulayem.

Mayer clarified to BBC Sport that his decision is not driven by personal grievance. “It’s not personal," Mayer said. “But I felt the FIA could do better for the member clubs, for the motorsport community."

Who is Tim Mayer?

Mayer is the son of McLaren team co-founder Teddy Mayer and has held senior roles in U.S. racing series.

With over 15 years of experience as an F1 race steward and leadership positions in major U.S. championships like Indycar, IMSA, and the American Le Mans Series, Mayer is confident he has the right blend of experience. “I can bring value to our stakeholders, whether they are small clubs in underserved regions, or whether it’s the Formula 1 track. I’m equally comfortable in both places," he said.

Mayer also emphasised that his focus extends beyond motorsport. “As much as I come from motorsport, I’ve spent the last six months educating myself on the mobility side and what that opportunity is. To me, actually, that’s the larger opportunity — the opportunity to have a global impact for sustainability, for accessibility, and for safety all around the world," Mayer said.

Mayer was dismissed as an F1 steward after representing the Circuit of the Americas in a “right of review" hearing last year concerning a fine imposed for a crowd invasion at the end of the US Grand Prix. He revealed to BBC Sport that Ben Sulayem perceived an element of that hearing as a “personal attack on him".

Regarding his chances in the upcoming election, Mayer stated, “The goal is to go to the clubs and demonstrate to them that there is a viable alternative."

(With inputs from agencies)

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News sports Tim Mayer To Oppose Ben Sulayem for FIA Presidency: 'Viable Alternative'