Tim Mayer, a 59-year-old American and former FIA steward, has announced his candidacy to challenge Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the presidency of the FIA. The election is set to take place on December 12 at the FIA's General Assembly in Uzbekistan. Mayer launched his campaign on Friday, coinciding with the British Grand Prix. He is the son of former McLaren F1 team principal Teddy Mayer and has vast experience in US motorsport.

Mayer's campaign is centered around the slogan "FIA Forward," signaling a need for "new energy, new focus, and renewed integrity" within the federation. He aims to bring about changes that he believes are required within the FIA. Mayer's decision to run was solidified after Carlos Sainz Sr. opted against challenging Ben Sulayem, initially leaving the incumbent seemingly unopposed.

Mayer has criticized Ben Sulayem's leadership, stating that the FIA is "running out of people to do those jobs" after numerous high-profile departures. He claims that Ben Sulayem "took offence" at the contents of an appeal document filed by US Race Management. Mayer insists his candidacy is not driven by revenge, but by a desire to restore transparency and end what he describes as a "reign of terror" under Ben Sulayem. He believes that Ben Sulayem has not delivered on his promises of empowerment, transparency, and reform, and that there is now less transparency than before. He further contends that reform has led to a concentration of power, contradicting the word's meaning. Mayer says that Ben Sulayem promised transparency but delivered secrecy, promised governance reform but delivered power centralization, and promised to be non-executive but became a one-man show.

Mayer's motorsport experience spans 34 years, including roles in IndyCar, Champ Car, IMSA, and 15 years as an F1 steward. He served as the senior vice president of racing operations for Champ Car in 1998 and became the chief operating officer of IMSA in 2004. He was sacked from his role as FIA steward in November 2024, following a dispute related to the United States Grand Prix organizers. Mayer was involved in a right of review hearing after the Circuit of the Americas was fined €500,000 for a track invasion by fans. He claims his dismissal was a result of Ben Sulayem taking issue with documentation presented during the hearing.

Mayer contrasts his focus on grassroots motorsport with Ben Sulayem's focus on high-profile Formula 1 controversies. He emphasizes the importance of supporting grassroots initiatives, such as clubs struggling to fund their first autocross track. He organized thousands of marshals and officials at 19 Formula 1 Grand Prix; Served as ASN director since 1998; Worked as deputy to FIA Senate President Nick Crawl since 2009; Oversaw operations across North America, South America, Asia, and Europe.