Tim Mayer has launched his campaign to become FIA president with a direct and scathing critique of Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s leadership. Speaking ahead of the British Grand Prix, the American accused the current administration of offering nothing but “illusions” of progress, leadership, and inclusion.
Mayer, a former FIA steward and senior official, said the governing body is in urgent need of reform. His campaign branded “FIA Forward” promises transparency, structural change, and a return to member-first leadership.
“This isn’t revenge. But it is personal.”
Mayer was removed from his role as a Formula 1 steward last year. He claims it was because Ben Sulayem believed he had personally undermined him in a dispute related to the United States Grand Prix. But Mayer says the decision simply gave him time to reflect on the deeper issues facing the FIA.
“This isn’t about one dismissal. It’s about the leadership vacuum we now face,” he said. “The stewards are all volunteers. I’ve seen this federation from the inside, and I know where it’s failing.”
A speech of confrontation
From the outset, Mayer criticised what he described as a culture of fear and centralised control within the FIA. He accused the current president of building illusions rather than results.
“Three years ago, Ben Sulayem ran on good ideas – reform, transparency, support for small clubs. But behind the stagecraft, we’ve been left with the illusion of progress,” he said.
Mayer listed a series of what he called “illusions”:
- Leadership, while senior figures resign.
- Inclusion, while diverse voices are excluded.
- Financial strength, despite reduced oversight.
- Transparency, while decision-making grows more secretive.
- Integrity, as statute amendments consolidate power in one office.
He also criticised the use of strict NDAs and the removal of Senate members who questioned leadership decisions. “That’s not governance,” he said. “Real governance is built on values, honest debate, and service.”
“Servant leadership” and structural change
Mayer said his model of FIA leadership would be based on “servant leadership” – empowering staff, listening to members, and providing the structure to grow.
“It’s about listening. Not meddling. About giving people the tools and space to do their jobs,” he said.
He supports a two-tier structure with a CEO and said he would bring back former FIA CEO Natalie Robyn “tomorrow” if possible. “There are still good people working inside the FIA. They deserve leadership that supports them, not a reign of terror.”
Building a team – quietly
To run for FIA president, Mayer must name a full slate of candidates including deputy presidents. That list isn’t complete, but some influential supporters were revealed.
Motorsport UK chairman David Richards, who supported Ben Sulayem’s first campaign is backing Mayer. Former FIA deputy for sport Robert Reid is also advising the campaign, despite not being centrally involved.
“We’ve kept things under the radar. Now’s the time to finalise our list,” Mayer said.
Stewarding in crisis
Mayer used his experience in F1 to highlight concerns around stewarding. He said the officiating department is understaffed and underprepared, with only “one and a half people” tasked with training stewards across the world.
“There’s no depth. There’s no long-term plan. We’re not building a future bench of experienced officials. That’s dangerous for the sport.”
He called for investment in training and a clear path for developing top-level officials. “You need 10 years of experience before you can run a Grand Prix. You can’t wing it.”
Grassroots over glamour
Despite his F1 links, Mayer said his focus is on the clubs that make up the base of the FIA. He described conversations with underfunded ASN leaders struggling to support volunteers or even get marshals to the track.
“That’s grassroots. Not Formula 4. Not elite karting. It’s clubs scraping together money for a track and second-hand equipment. That’s where real growth starts. And that’s who we need to serve.”
Can he win?
Ben Sulayem still holds support from many smaller clubs and benefits from a structure that favours incumbents. Mayer admitted it will be a tough fight.
“The deck is stacked. But we know the rules. We know the game. And we’re in this to win.”
He said his campaign will focus on direct outreach. Club by club. Vote by vote. Showing members how things could be different.
“There’s too much at stake to run without belief. We can do this. And we must.”