Tim Mayer, a former prominent F1 steward, has announced his intention to challenge incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the presidency of the FIA in the election scheduled for December.
Mayer, a veteran official in US motorsport and son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer, confirmed his bid in a press conference held near Silverstone on Friday morning, ahead of the British Grand Prix weekend.
Announcing his campaign, titled `FIA Forward`, Mayer stated: “It`s time for new energy, new focus, and renewed integrity at the heart of our federation.”
Mayer, who served as an F1 steward for 15 years, stated last November that he was dismissed from the position by text message. This occurred amidst the aftermath of the United States GP, where, in his separate role as alternate delegate for the US races, he had represented the Circuit of the Americas in a right of review hearing concerning a €500,000 fine (with €350,000 suspended until December 2026) issued after a track invasion following the race.
When questioned if his candidacy was motivated by `revenge`, Mayer firmly stated it was not. He explained that the events had led him to focus on his vision for a professional organization that values its volunteers and member clubs and aims for growth, particularly in underserved countries. He concluded that his passion for the FIA had increased rather than decreased after last year`s events.
Two-time World Rally champion Carlos Sainz Snr, father of the Williams driver, announced last week that he would not be running for president, having ultimately decided that “circumstances are not ideal to set the grounds for my candidacy.”
The FIA election is scheduled for December 12 during the general assembly in Uzbekistan. The global member clubs of motorsport`s governing body will elect a president for the upcoming four-year term there.
Ben Sulayem, a former rally driver himself, won the previous election in December 2021 against Briton Graham Stoker. This occurred after the long-serving president Jean Todt stepped down, having reached the FIA`s three-term limit.
Mayer commented, “Four years ago, Mohammed presented some very good ideas.” He continued, “His manifesto, accepted by all clubs, spoke of empowerment, transparency, and reform – values I fully believe in. However, we currently have less transparency than ever before, and reform has resulted in a concentration of power in one office, which is contrary to the meaning of the word.”
Sky Sports F1 British GP Schedule
Friday July 4
8.45am: F3 Practice
9.55am: F2 Practice
12pm: British GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
2.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3.35pm: British GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday July 5
9.10am: F3 Sprint
11.15pm: British GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: British GP Qualifying build-up*
3pm: BRITISH GP QUALIFYING*
4.55pm: F4 Race 1
5.40pm: Ted`s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday July 6
8.15am: F4 Race 2
9.25am: F3 Feature Race
11am: F2 Feature Race
1.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: British GP build-up*
3pm: THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX*
5pm: Chequered Flag: British GP reaction*
6pm: Ted`s Notebook*
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
The next event in the 2025 Formula 1 season is the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, with Sunday`s race starting at 3pm.
