FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has dismissed criticisms from FIA presidential candidate Tim Mayer as "laughable" and indicative of a "disconnected" perspective. The comments come in the wake of Mayer's announcement that he will challenge Ben Sulayem for the FIA presidency in elections slated for December.

Mayer, a former FIA steward, was removed from his position in November 2024, a move he attributes to Ben Sulayem taking offense at Mayer's involvement in a hearing regarding a fine levied against the United States Grand Prix promoter. According to Mayer, Ben Sulayem viewed the evidence presented in that case as a "personal attack". Mayer was representing the Circuit of the Americas in a 'right of review' hearing following a crowd invasion at the end of the 2024 race. The FIA had criticized and punished the US GP for fans invading the track at the end of the race. Mayer was part of the initial stewards' hearing and was later involved in a right of review because the circuit and organizer took issue with the assertion they "failed to take reasonable measures thus resulting in an unsafe condition".

Ben Sulayem's leadership has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding his relationships with drivers and teams. Mayer has stated his intention to mend those relationships, emphasizing the importance of respecting drivers and all stakeholders in the sport. He has also highlighted the need for greater support for stewards, who he says are doing an amazing job but are spread thin. Mayer described Ben Sulayem's tenure as a series of illusions.

Mayer's campaign launch included an attack on what he termed the "illusions" of Ben Sulayem's leadership. He has also alluded to concerns about potential interference with officials, referencing Ben Sulayem's investigation by the FIA ethics committee regarding alleged interference with stewarding cases in 2023. Ben Sulayem was cleared by the organization's Ethics Committee.

In the lead-up to the election, Ben Sulayem received a public show of support from 36 automobile clubs in the form of a signed letter. Mayer dismissed this as political posturing, asserting that the regulations favor the incumbent. He expressed confidence that he can persuade voters that there is a better way forward for the FIA.