American motorsport figure Tim Mayer has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency of the FIA, motorsport’s global governing body, setting up a potential showdown with current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the December election.
Mayer, 59, announced on Friday at a press conference held near the Silverstone circuit ahead of the British Grand Prix. A former Formula One steward and the son of former McLaren team principal Teddy Mayer, he is positioning himself as a reform-driven alternative to the current leadership.
“I believe I am the right person, at the right time, in the right place,” Mayer said, revealing that he has been preparing his campaign over the past six months. “What I see is a failure in leadership right now. Instead of real reform, we’ve seen performance. Behind the stagecraft, we’ve been left with the illusion of progress and the illusion of leadership, while the most senior people appointed by the president have departed.”
Mayer disclosed that he was dismissed as a steward last year via text message by an assistant to Ben Sulayem, though that detail has been contested by the FIA. Nonetheless, he insisted that his decision to run was not motivated by personal grievances. His campaign, titled “FIAforward,” is focused on revitalising the federation’s internal structure and strengthening its value to member organisations.
The FIA has not issued a public response to Mayer’s announcement.
Ben Sulayem, who has been in office since 2021, has confirmed his intention to seek a second term. His presidency has been marked by a number of controversies, including disputes with Liberty Media over commercial matters, allegations of sexism, and the departure of several senior staff members. Some critics have also voiced concern over recent changes to FIA statutes, approved by member federations, which they argue make it more difficult for challengers to run against the incumbent and reduce the influence of audit and ethics committees.
Mayer acknowledged the uphill battle ahead, describing his candidacy as a “Herculean task,” particularly with just five months left before the vote and in light of recent structural changes that appear to favour the current leadership.
He has yet to announce the full list of members on his presidential ticket, a formal requirement for candidacy, though he confirmed he still has positions to fill. He also said he has received strong backing from Motorsport UK and has informed Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali of his decision to run.
“The task now is to explain to member clubs around the world why we believe the FIA can do better,” Mayer said. “It’s about showing how we can bring value to the global motorsport community and why restructuring is essential to move the FIA forward.”
Until now, Ben Sulayem had been the only confirmed candidate in the upcoming election, after Spanish rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr. ruled himself out. Mayer noted that he would have entered the race even if Sainz had decided to run, and brushed off any suggestion that his candidacy might present a conflict of interest due to his family’s historic connection with McLaren.
The FIA oversees a wide array of motorsport disciplines, including Formula One, the World Rally Championship, and Formula E. The outcome of December’s election could have significant implications for the future direction and governance of the sport.
