FIA President Ben Sulayem Faces Challenge From Tim Mayer Ahead 2025 Election

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the current president of the FIA, is facing a challenge for re-election from American Tim Mayer, a former Formula 1 steward and son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer. Tim Mayer, who was dismissed by Ben Sulayem in 2024 via a text message following a dispute related to the Circuit of the Americas track invasion fine, is expected to officially announce his candidacy at a press conference near Silverstone ahead of the British Grand Prix. Mayer, with over 15 years of experience as an FIA steward and organizer of U.S. Grands Prix, claims his firing was due to personal conflicts with Ben Sulayem, despite the official reason citing a conflict of interest. The FIA governs multiple motorsport series including Formula 1, World Rally Championship, and Formula E, and holds presidential elections every four years, with the next election scheduled for December 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Carlos Sainz Sr., a notable rally champion, had considered running but ultimately decided against it. The upcoming election is significant as it will determine the leadership of motorsport's global governing body amid ongoing scrutiny of Ben Sulayem's administration.