FIA presidential candidate launches $5 million campaign to end 'reign of terror'

FIA presidential candidate Tim Mayer officially launched his campaign to usurp incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem, promising to end his "reign of terror" at the motorsport governing body.

At a press conference near Silverstone, which is hosting the British Grand Prix this weekend, the former F1 steward, who has also worked in senior leadership roles for Champ Car (now IndyCar), IMSA and the World Motor Sport Council, insisted those working at the FIA "deserve leadership that provides them with tools" as well as "vision" and "resources" to utilise.

Ben Sulaymen has been president of the organisation since succeeding Jean Todt in late 2021, with elections set for December this year.

After Carlos Sainz Snr. decided not to campaign, it appeared the 63-year-old would run unopposed. But Mayer, dismissed as a steward in November, will now seek to unseat Ben Sulayem.

The son of former McLaren boss Teddy has estimated his campaign could cost upwards of $5 million, which has been six months in the making. However, he does not believe wholesale change is required.

"Well, I do feel that restructuring needs to happen," Mayer told media, including RacingNews365. "Have we gone backwards in some areas? Yes.

"There are still a number of very dedicated people working at the FIA.

"And to be honest, the one area of the FIA that has gone forward is their ability to write a press release celebrating small victories. So that's a little ironic, but it's true, they're doing a good job there.

"Those people work very hard. They deserve leadership that provides them with tools, with a vision, with resources, and, more than anything else, does not have a reign of terror every time they walk into the office."

'I am not a revolutionary...'

Mayer was also keen to stress that it is not a case of seeking "revenge" for being relieved of his duties, and acknowledged the "Herculean test" of fighting against a deck he feels is deliberately stacking toward the incumbent.

He maintained he is "not a revolutionary" but believes that a change of leadership is necessary, marking himself as a candidate who will "evolve" the FIA.

The 59-year-old pointed to the departure of Natalie Robyn, who was the short-lived and first CEO of the governing body. She left in May 2024 after just 18 months in the role.

"I think that by just providing good leadership and good management and bringing in the kinds of people that, in fact, Mohammed, in all honesty, did bring in to begin with," he said. "He brought [in] some great people.

"Natalie, as an example, was a fantastic leader. I got to interact with her quite a bit. I am in awe of her capabilities, and she just could not make change in that organisation.

"So I think that's what we can bring initially. There is that leadership, and I don't think we need to break the thing. I am not a revolutionary. I am somebody who will evolve this forward."