Tim Mayer responds after claims spark 'deeply unfair' complaint

Dear Tim,

I’m writing this note personally, from the heart — not as part of any campaign or political narrative, but as someone who has lived through the very challenges you're speaking about.

When we talk about inclusion, especially for women and women of colour, we have a responsibility to honour truth over perception — and experience over assumptions. I understand the emotion behind your remarks, but I also believe it’s essential we get the facts right, because saying otherwise risks erasing the very progress we’ve worked so hard for.

Since President Mohammed Ben Sulayem took office in 2021, we have witnessed real, measurable steps forward in gender representation — not symbolic gestures, but meaningful appointments and policies that are changing the culture of the FIA from the inside out:

For the first time in FIA history, two women were appointed Vice Presidents.

Fatma Samoura, a globally respected woman of colour and former FIFA Secretary General, was appointed to the FIA Senate.

Along with Dr. Amina Mohamed from Kenya and myself now 4 women hold a seat on the World Motor Sport Council, highest in FIA history.

The WRC Sporting Director is a woman — leading at the highest levels of our
sport. 

Multiple FIA Commissions, including Volunteers and Officials, Road Sport Committee are now chaired by women — which marks a genuine shift from previous years.

And for the first time ever, I serve as the first non-European President of the Women in Motorsport Commission.

But beyond appointments, we are building systems to ensure lasting impact. For example, in the new High Performance Programme for Stewards — one of the most competitive and selective training tracks in the FIA — half of the selected candidates are women, representing over 100 female applicants from many different countries. That is a concrete step towards equity in the sport, built not on quotas but on talent.

Tim, I have firsthand experience of being overlooked, underestimated, and at times, entirely unseen in this sport. But I also know what it feels like to finally be given space, trust, and responsibility — and that has happened under this leadership. That is why I felt the need to write to you directly.

We all want more. And yes, there’s still a long road ahead. But to claim that women — especially women of colour — are being pushed aside in today’s FIA is not only inaccurate, it’s deeply unfair to those of us who are here, working every day to widen the doors that were once closed to us. 

I urge you to reconsider your remarks, not because of politics, but because of principle. We must build on facts, and move forward with respect for those who are paving the way — not in spite of their identity, but with pride in it.

With respect,

Burcu Çetinkaya
Chair, FIA Women in Motorsport Commission
FIA WMSC Member

Dear Burcu,

Thank you for your letter highlighting this global concern. I am always open to constructive dialogue, especially when it comes to such incredibly important topics as inclusion.

Let me state up front that I celebrate the individual achievements of women of all backgrounds who have struggled to have their voice heard and who’s lived experiences can inform fundamental change.

But I stand by my statement. No number of appointments can cover up the fact that women in positions of power at the FIA, especially those that interact in senior management roles with the presidential team, have been marginalised or pushed out.

Victories, large and small, should be celebrated. But until the FIA becomes a place where all voices are heard and respected equally, it is our obligation and my commitment to push for change.

Sincere Regards,

Tim Mayer
Candidate for President of the FIA