American motor sport executive and former FIA Formula 1 steward Tim Mayer will challenge Mohammed Ben Sulayem in December’s election for the FIA presidency.
Mayer, who also worked for the organiser of FIA world championship races in the US, was one of several high-profile figures to be fired by Ben Sulayem last year.
He was dismissed from his role as a F1 steward after 15 years of service.
The official reason cited was a perceived conflict of interest due to his dual roles as an FIA steward and organiser for the US-based F1 races, but Mayer argued that was not the case.
Mayer publicly stated that he was informed of his dismissal via text message from an assistant to Ben Sulayem, a move he criticised as unprofessional given his long-standing volunteer contributions.
“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 organizer,” Mayer told the BBC in November last year.
“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.
“In spite of the matter being resolved quietly and amicably, he[Ben Sulayem]’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.”
Mayer has been critical of Ben Sulayem
Grand Prix Photo
Mayer was very critical of Ben Sulayem’s decision to sack FIA members, saying the ruling body was “literally running out of people to fulfil these roles”.
“There aren’t a lot of ‘platinum-level’ FIA race directors, which is the FIA’s highest level certification. I’m one of them,” he added.
“It’s a lot of work and, if you are doing the job right, you wake up every day with an ulcer thinking of all the various things you need to be thinking about.
“They’re not doing themselves any favours. They are literally running out of people to do those jobs.”
GPDA director George Russell, one of the drivers who has been vocal about several of the recent issues within the FIA, welcomed the news of Mayer’s candidacy, as he reckons it will lead to a better situation for all.
“I think in life competition is always good because it brings out the best in people,” Russell said. “It’s something we’ve been vocal about in the past. It’s probably got a little bit too much air time in the past.
“Things have seemingly been moving in a better direction, which I think is just good news for everybody involved in the sport. But at the end of the day, you know, they’re two people fighting for one position, you bring your A game. It’s a bit like a driver’s contract, I guess.”
Mayer is yet to announce his team ahead of the election.
“Governance must be the first pillar of real reform,” Mayer’s manifesto said. “It’s about values — fairness, transparency, and service – not control.
“We will restore democracy within the FIA, empower diverse perspectives, and rebuild a culture of open dialogue. Real accountability means clear decisions, honest reporting, and leadership that earns trust by listening and delivering.”
It added: “The FIA must deliver value to our members clubs and foster real growth — from grassroots to global championships. That starts with simplified rules, cost effective tools, and structured training for clubs and officials.
“We will become true partners for growth with our championship promoters, teams and drivers. But most of all, we will commit to emerging regions and break down barriers, for anyone held backby cost, complexity or culture.”
Mayer, 59, is the son of former McLaren team manager Teddy Mayer, and his contributions to international racing governance and operations are widely recognised.
In the early 1990s, Mayer worked with two-time F1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi and established G3 Communications, producing international motorsport telecasts.
He joined CART in 1998, holding senior executive roles overseeing global operations, logistics, and television for races across multiple continents.
In 2004, Mayer became Chief Operating Officer of IMSA and later also COO and race director for the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).
New statutes for the FIA have been approved, giving current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem the power to bar candidates from running against him
By
Pablo Elizalde
After leaving IMSA and ALMS in 2009, Mayer returned to consulting and was elected as an independent director of the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States (ACCUS).
Mayer joined the FIA in 2009 and worked as chairman of the stewards until his dismissal last year.
The American is the first rival to announce his candidacy for December’s election. The deadline for other candidates is October 24, with the election taking place in Uzbekistan on 12 December.
Earlier this year, two-time World Rally champion Carlos Sainz Sr had expressed his interest in running, but last month announced he had decided against it.
Recently, Ben Sulayem got a big boost after a vote gave wider-ranging powers, including the ability to block candidates who might challenge his position.
FIA member clubs voted in favour of the controversial amendments by 83.35% to 16.65%, suggesting it will be hard for anyone going against Ben Sulayem to win the election against the Emirati.
