American Tim Mayer has launched his bid for the FIA president, titled “FIA Forward”. The former F1 steward has explained that his bid is not focused on finding revenge. Rather, he says he is looking to end the “reign of terror” under incumbent president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Tim Mayer spent nearly 16 years as an FIA Steward, working in multiple series including F1. He was also the chairmans of the Stewards. But in November 2024, he was sacked from his role in the FIA, under Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s leadership.
Now, the American has launched his own bid to become the next FIA President. Mayer aims to end what he claims to be Ben Sulayem’s “reign of terror” within the organization. He wishes to provide a better working environment for the employees within the FIA.
“They deserve leadership that provides them with tools, provides them with a vision, provides them with resources,” said Mayer. [via Motorsportweek]
“And more than anything else, does not have a reign of terror every time they walk into the office.” he added.
A lot of criticism has been levied at Ben Sulayem during his reign as the FIA president. Many have described his style of leadership as autocratic. The FIA’s new anti-dissent rules, which impose harsh penalties on drivers who criticize the organization, were also Ben Sulayem’s brainchild.
Tim Mayer claims his FIA presidency bid is “not about revenge”
As previously mentioned, Tim Mayer was sacked by Mohammed Ben Sulayem in 2024. Reports suggest that the move was told to Mayer via text message. But the 59-year-old claims that revenge is not his motivation.
Rather, Mayer wishes to see more transparency within the organization. He also described Ben Sulayem’s stewardship of the FIA as “a failure in leadership”.
“What I see is a failure in leadership right now. So it’s given me an opportunity.” said Mayer. [via Motorsportweek]
“This is not about revenge. It’s about how we can drive the FIA forward. It’s about what we can do better in this campaign and as we go forward four years after that.” he added.
The upcoming FIA election is scheduled for December 12 2025. Members of the governing body will elect the new president at its general assembly in Uzbekistan. Ben Sulayem beat Graham Stoker in December 2021 to achieve the presidency. Now, the Emirati executive is running for a second term.
Mayer is now officially in the race against MBS. He is currently the Director of the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States (ACCUS). This is the official group that represents American motorsport to the FIA.
Carlos Sainz Sr. was also looking to mount a campaign for the FIA presidency. But the Spaniard recently backed down, claiming that “present circumstances are not ideal” for him to launch his candidacy.
