The Revolution at the FIA: Can Tim Mayer Unseat Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Reshape the Future of Motorsport?

In the high-octane world of motorsport, few names stir as much controversy today as Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the current president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). His leadership has been marred by turbulence, secrecy, and polarizing decisions that have fractured the relationship between the governing body and key stakeholders—especially drivers and race teams. But now, a new challenger has emerged: Tim Mayer, a former F1 race steward once sacked by the very institution he now seeks to lead.

With Carlos Sainz Sr. officially out of the running, all eyes have turned to Mayer as the potential agent of change. But can he realistically take down Ben Sulayem and restore integrity to the FIA? Or will his candidacy be dismissed as a personal vendetta in disguise?

The Shadow of Controversy

Under Ben Sulayem’s leadership, the FIA has courted widespread criticism. Promises of reform, transparency, and support for smaller national clubs have, according to Mayer and many others, turned into mere illusions. Mayer, who was once removed from his role under controversial circumstances, believes that the president has failed to deliver on his pledges, instead opting for a centralized, opaque style of governance that discourages dissent.

“The message was right,” Mayer said of Ben Sulayem’s original campaign. “The delivery has failed.”

Critics point to a host of troubling incidents. From the abrupt dismissal of high-ranking staff who dared to question the president, to the handling of non-disclosure agreements surrounding key FIA council meetings, the governing body has increasingly resembled a fortress of silence rather than a transparent nonprofit organization.

Then there was the fiasco involving Susie Wolff—an investigation launched without evidence, dragging her reputation into public dispute before the matter was dropped just as abruptly. Lewis Hamilton, never one to mince words, said flat-out that he has no respect for Ben Sulayem after this episode. The governing body appeared eager to punish without grounds, all while failing to demonstrate any meaningful oversight of its own practices.

A New Challenger: Tim Mayer

Enter Tim Mayer. The son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer and a former race steward for the FIA, Tim brings a legacy of motorsport and a deep understanding of race governance. More importantly, he brings a personal stake. Sacked by the FIA via text message, ostensibly over a “conflict of interest,” Mayer claims he was punished for attempting to challenge the internal structure of the organization.

But Mayer insists this isn’t about revenge. “This is not about that,” he stated. “My commitment has always been to service… It’s about how we can drive the FIA forward.”

He has framed his candidacy around three core illusions: the illusion of inclusion, the illusion of financial transformation, and the illusion of transparency. In his eyes, each represents a false narrative being pushed by the current leadership—designed to preserve power while shutting out capable voices, especially women and those from diverse backgrounds.

The Cost of Centralized Power

A recurring concern is how much power has become centralized under Ben Sulayem. The removal of FIA Senate members for allegedly overstepping their roles by providing oversight is perhaps the most troubling sign. According to Mayer, dissent is punished swiftly and harshly.

Even team principals and drivers are raising their voices. George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, has been an outspoken critic of the FIA’s failure to consult drivers on regulatory changes that directly impact their performance and safety. His calls for transparency have been met with hostility, with Ben Sulayem once famously snapping back: “We don’t ask you when something in the team changes, so don’t ask us.”

This combative attitude toward collaboration is driving a wedge between the FIA and those who rely on it to steward the sport fairly.

The Ghosts of Missteps

And it’s not just internal governance that’s under fire. Ben Sulayem has taken the unusual step of weighing in on commercial matters—most notably the failed bid from a Saudi-backed fund to acquire Formula 1. His comments questioning the sport’s valuation sparked concern among investors, casting a cloud of doubt over its long-term financial security.

More trivial—but equally controversial—was the issue of “swearing penalties.” Max Verstappen, among others, has openly challenged the FIA’s decisions to penalize drivers for emotional outbursts. The backlash from this prompted yet another flip-flop from Ben Sulayem, who conceded that “we need to let go of the brake a little.”

It’s these inconsistencies, combined with a tendency to suppress open dialogue, that fuel Mayer’s belief that the FIA is running in what he calls “illusion mode.”

The Fight Ahead

Running for FIA president is no small feat. Mayer will need not just public support, but a slate of senior leaders willing to campaign alongside him—positions like Senate President and deputy heads of mobility and sport must be filled with allies. While names remain vague, the absence of Robert Reid—a former deputy president many expected to support Mayer—raises questions about who will help him challenge Ben Sulayem’s entrenched network.

Still, support is building. George Russell, for instance, has shown openness to Mayer’s message. The broader F1 community, increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with the current administration, may be willing to back a candidate who promises meaningful reform and shared governance.

Is Change Really Possible?

The FIA’s presidential election may feel like a closed circuit, but 2025 could prove different. Between a frustrated paddock, a fractured governing council, and growing pressure from fans and investors alike, the organization is at an inflection point.

Tim Mayer may not be a perfect candidate. Critics will continue to question his motives, point to his dismissal, and wonder if his candidacy is too emotionally charged. But Mayer represents something the FIA desperately needs right now: a credible opposition.

The next FIA presidency won’t just be about who sits at the top—it will decide how open, collaborative, and ethical motorsport governance will be for years to come. Whether Mayer wins or not, his run is already sparking the kind of conversation that might finally force the FIA to confront its own shadow.

And that, perhaps, is the true beginning of change.

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