Tim Mayer launched a putsch against FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem with a stinging attack on his ‘reign of terror’ and ‘failure of leadership’.

American Mayer revealed his candidacy at Silverstone under the banner of ‘FIA Forward’ ahead of the presidential election due in December. Ben Sulayem has previously announced he will stand for a second four-year term.

Ben Sulayem has been an outspoken president, notably picking fights with drivers over jewellery and swearing. He retains vocal supporters within the organisation despite being accused by his detractors of a dictatorial approach.

Mayer, 59, was sacked by Ben Sulayem as chairman of the stewards last year but says his campaign is not based on revenge. He has been plotting his candidacy for the past six months.

‘Of course, that was disappointing for me because my commitment has always been to serve,’ said Mayer, son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer. ‘I had the privilege of stewarding multiple championships but this is not about that.

‘Three years ago, Mohammed Ben Sulayem ran on good ideas, values for smaller clubs, transparency and reform and the message was right, but the delivery has failed.

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Tim Mayer launched a putsch against FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem with a stinging attack

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American Mayer revealed his candidacy at Silverstone under the banner of ‘FIA Forward’ ahead of the presidential election

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Ben Sulayem (right) has been an outspoken president, notably picking fights with drivers over jewellery and swearing

‘We have been left with illusion of progress and illusion of leadership while the most senior team he has appointed has departed. The illusion of inclusion, while capable voices, women and people from diverse backgrounds, were pushed out when they spoke out.

‘We have had the illusion of transparency and engagement. And perhaps most corrosive, the illusion of integrity. We have witnessed wave after wave of statute amendments ushering in the greatest centralisation of power in the FIA’s history.

‘Critical issues have been decided through rushed electronic votes with no debate, where world councils are gagged, and senate members have been pushed out. That is not governance.’

The FIA have been asked for their response.