American Tim Mayer has officially declared his candidacy in the upcoming FIA presidential election this December, positioning himself as a direct challenger to the incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This move follows Mayer’s dismissal from his stewarding duties in Formula 1 by Ben Sulayem less than a year ago, intensifying the tension ahead of the vote.
Mayer emphasized that his campaign is driven by a desire to improve the sport and the organization, rather than personal grievances. Drawing on 15 years of experience as an F1 steward and leadership roles in top racing series such as IndyCar, IMSA, and the American Le Mans Series, Mayer hopes to use his broad motorsport background to serve the FIA’s diverse interests.
Criticism of Ben Sulayem’s Leadership and FIA Changes
Ben Sulayem’s administration has faced steady criticism for its controversial decisions, including the removal of multiple senior FIA officials. Last year, Mayer remarked on the impact of these moves, noting that the FIA was
“literally running out of people to do those jobs.”
Additional criticism surrounds the president’s unpopular enforcement measures, such as banning drivers from using certain language on track, which has unsettled many in the racing community.
Mayer’s Vision and Motivation for Running
During his campaign announcement at the British Grand Prix weekend, Mayer discussed his goals and the value he intends to bring to motorsport and the wider FIA community. He stated,
“I can bring value to our stakeholders, whether they are small clubs in under-served regions, or whether it’s the Formula 1 track. I’m equally comfortable in both places.”
He also highlighted his recent education on broader mobility issues, which he sees as a critical area for the FIA’s future leadership.
“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.”
—Tim Mayer
Background of Mayer’s Dismissal and Dispute With FIA
Mayer’s firing followed his representation of the Circuit of the Americas at a ‘right of review’ hearing after the track was fined €500,000 for a track invasion during last year’s race. Officially, the FIA cited a conflict of interest to justify the dismissal, as Mayer acted on behalf of the race organizers. However, Mayer contested this reasoning publicly shortly after being let go.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Mayer said,
“The official reason that will be given is they felt there was a conflict of interest with the FIA as I had led the right of review in my role as organiser. But that is not why I was fired. Being an organiser is a role that I have fulfilled, benefiting the FIA, for over 12 years. This isn’t new.”
He further expressed his disappointment over the manner of his removal, saying,
“In spite of the matter being resolved quietly and amicably, he’s still upset and decided to fire me. After 15 years of volunteering my time as a steward, a decade teaching other stewards and hundreds of hours volunteering in other roles, I got a text from one of his assistants.”
—Tim Mayer
Context Around the FIA and Upcoming Election Stakes
The FIA presidential election represents a pivotal moment for the organization’s future direction, especially as disputes and dissatisfaction swirl among officials, drivers, and organizers alike. Mayer’s candidacy brings a familiar yet defiant voice to the race, promising reforms based on extensive motorsport stewardship experience and a vision extending beyond racing to global mobility challenges.
With high-profile drivers such as Lewis Hamilton expressing concerns over recent sport developments, and ongoing inspections like those surrounding Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari and Liam Lawson ahead of the British Grand Prix, the election is set against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny and debate within FIA governance and Formula 1 racing.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, the number 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado picked #13 when the fixed number system started in 2014. Although some cultures think 13 is unlucky, F1 lets drivers decide their numbers.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British Formula One driver currently with Mercedes. He has also raced for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about his experience with ADHD and his various hobbies and interests.
Q. Why is 17 not allowed in F1?
A. After Jules Bianchi passed away, the number 17 is no longer used in F1 as a tribute to him. If a driver doesn’t pick a permanent number, they’ll receive one according to their team’s past entries.
Q. What F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, a British race car driver born in 1985, competes in Formula One for Mercedes and has previously raced for McLaren. He openly talks about having ADHD and shares his varied interests and hobbies.