The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has pledged to maintain strict neutrality as Tim Mayer, a former F1 steward, has announced his candidacy to challenge the incumbent president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, in the elections scheduled for December. The FIA's commitment to impartiality aims to ensure fairness, transparency, and integrity throughout the electoral process.
Mayer, a long-time official in US motorsport and the son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer, confirmed his participation in the race at a press conference near Silverstone ahead of the British Grand Prix. Launching his campaign, Mayer stated, "It's called FIA Forward because it's time for new energy, new focus and renewed integrity at the heart of our federation". The FIA election is set to take place on December 12 at its general assembly in Uzbekistan, where the global member clubs of motorsport's governing body will elect a president for the next four-year term.
Ben Sulayem, a former rally driver, won the last election in December 2021 against Briton Graham Stoker, succeeding Jean Todt, who had reached the FIA's three-term limit. Ben Sulayem has confirmed he will seek a second four-year term.
The FIA has outlined a structured and democratic process for the election to ensure fairness, transparency, and integrity at every stage, conducted in accordance with the FIA Statutes. In line with the FIA’s commitment to impartiality and to preserve equal treatment of candidates, FIA staff members are required to maintain strict neutrality throughout the process. The Federation has stated it will continue to operate as normal, delivering on its responsibilities to its members and across all areas of motor sport and mobility.
Mayer's campaign, dubbed "FIA Forward," is founded on bringing "new energy, new focus and renewed integrity" to the motorsport governing body. He believes that those working at the FIA "deserve leadership that provides them with tools" as well as "vision" and "resources" to utilize. Mayer has estimated that his campaign could cost upwards of $5 million.
Mayer served as an F1 steward for 15 years. However, he said he was dismissed from the role in November amid fallout from the United States GP. Mayer was also serving as the FIA's alternate delegate for US-based Grands Prix and had led a right of review into the fine issued to the Circuit of the Americas after a fan track invasion at the end of the 2024 United States Grand Prix. He claims that political backlash from the incident led to his removal.
Mayer has insisted that his candidacy is not motivated by revenge. He stated that being asked to step down as a Formula 1 steward presented him with an opportunity to reflect on the values of the FIA. This time has brought into focus his view that the FIA needs to be a professional organization, one that values its volunteers and Member Clubs and is looking for growth, particularly for the under-served countries.
Mayer says Ben Sulayem hasn't delivered on his promises of reform and accused him of creating an environment where staff are pushed out if they disagree. Mayer says he'll make the FIA more democratic, arguing that Ben Sulayem has amassed too much power and spent his time quarreling about F1 drivers' conduct. Mayer also stated that he believes there needs to be restructuring within the FIA. He pointed to the departure of Natalie Robyn, who was the short-lived and first CEO of the governing body, leaving after just 18 months in the role.
Mayer has acknowledged that his key promises, such as more transparency and more resources to develop grassroots auto racing outside of wealthy countries, are similar to Ben Sulayem's own pledges when he was elected in 2021.
Ben Sulayem's first term has faced criticism over his management, governance concerns, and a strained relationship with Formula One Management (FOM). There have also been whistleblower complaints against Ben Sulayem, and he was investigated for allegedly trying to intervene in the results of a Formula 1 race, which he denied.
The FIA presidential election will be a key moment for the organization, determining its leadership and direction for the next four years. The FIA's pledge of neutrality underscores the importance of a fair and transparent process as Tim Mayer challenges Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the presidency.
