Tim Mayer Challenges Ben Sulayem for FIA Presidency
The world of motorsports is preparing for an electoral contest. Tim Mayer, a prominent figure in the sports field, announced on Friday his candidacy for the presidency of the FIA, the governing body of motor sport worldwide, facing the current president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Mayer, 59 years old and with a career that includes his time as a Formula 1 commissioner and his family connection with former McLaren director Teddy Mayer, will seek to unseat Ben Sulayem in the December elections. Mayer’s announcement comes after his departure from the FIA last November, an episode that, according to him, was marked by his dismissal via a text message from an assistant to Ben Sulayem. The FIA has disputed this version of events.Mayer, during a press conference near the Silverstone circuit, revealed that he has been working on his campaign for six months. He acknowledged the difficulty of his challenge, considering the recent statutory modifications and the short term to win votes from the member federations. Although Mayer did not reveal the names of his presidential team, a requirement for the candidacy, he admitted that he still has positions to fill. He highlighted the support of Motorsport UK and mentioned that he has informed Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 CEO, about his plans. Mayer’s goal is clear: “To explain to many small clubs around the world… why we can do a better job,” he said. “To explain how we can add value and restructure the FIA to do a better job. I feel that restructuring must occur.” Ben Sulayem, who is seeking a second term, had no declared opponents until Mayer’s announcement. The Spanish double world rally champion, Carlos Sainz Sr., recently decided not to run. Mayer assured that his candidacy would be maintained even if Sainz had decided to run. He also ruled out any conflict of interest related to his family connection with McLaren. The FIA is the governing body of Formula 1, the World Rally Championship, and Formula E, among other series.What I see is a failure in leadership at this moment.
Tim Mayer
