Tim Mayer launched his campaign for the FIA presidency with pointed criticism, describing his opponent and current president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, as leading a "reign of terror" over his four-year term.
Mayer, whose father co-founded the McLaren F1 team and who himself served as an FIA steward in Formula 1 for 15 years, claims he was dismissed on Ben Sulayem's orders. He delivered a harsh critique of the president’s leadership while outlining his own platform ahead of the December 12 election.
"If you look at how many individuals have left the FIA after joining with good intentions but failing to make an impact or oppose poor decisions, it’s clear—this is a reign of terror," he said. "You’re left waiting for the next controversy."
The 59-year-old American, with extensive experience in motorsport governance, offered a severe indictment of Ben Sulayem’s divisive tenure, which has drawn public rebukes from many in F1, including drivers.
Ben Sulayem’s leadership has seen clashes with competitors and multiple high-level departures, such as that of deputy president for sport Robert Reid, who resigned in April citing a "collapse of governance standards"—a point Mayer also raised.
"We’ve been given the illusion of progress and leadership while his top appointees have walked away," Mayer stated. "The illusion of inclusion, too, as competent voices, women, and individuals from diverse backgrounds were sidelined for speaking up."
"It’s been an illusion of transparency and engagement. And perhaps most damaging, an illusion of integrity. We’ve seen repeated regulatory changes leading to unprecedented centralization of power in the FIA."
Mayer stepped down as an F1 steward last November, alleging he was dismissed via text message following a dispute linked to the United States Grand Prix, where he held a different position. He denied seeking revenge as his reason for running.
The FIA’s structure strongly favors incumbents, and Ben Sulayem recently secured support from 36 member clubs—a move Mayer dismissed.
"When a document is pushed in front of someone with an ultimatum to sign, anyone would comply," he said. "But the only vote that matters is in December, where the process must remain fully democratic."
Ben Sulayem and the FIA have not yet responded to requests for comment.
On the track, Silverstone enjoyed warm weather with large crowds attending practice sessions. The early running saw Lewis Hamilton, making his UK debut with Ferrari, lead the timesheets. The seven-time champion, with a record nine wins at the circuit—including last year’s dramatic victory—acknowledged earlier in the weekend that he was "hoping and praying" for a podium finish, though Ferrari has struggled for pace. He has yet to secure a top-three...
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