A dramatic Sunday on the track at the British Grand Prix wasn`t the only significant race recently. Off-track, the contest to lead motorsport`s global governing body, the FIA, has begun with a combative start.
It was revealed last Friday that the current FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, will face a challenger in the December election: American Tim Mayer. Mayer is a former long-time Formula 1 steward who has also held prominent positions in US motorsport.
While Formula 1 is the most well-known championship governed by the FIA, the presidential election is not decided by the racing series themselves. Instead, the vote rests with 245 global member clubs representing both motorsport and mobility interests. The election for the next four-year presidential term is scheduled for December 12th at the governing body`s annual general assemblies.
Ben Sulayem is seeking a second term in office. He took over from Jean Todt, who had reached the three-term limit for the role.
Adding significant tension to the upcoming contest is the fact that Ben Sulayem removed Mayer from his steward role in November of the previous year. Mayer stated that his decision to run was not solely for `revenge`, but he found his dismissal `disappointing` and saw it as an `opportunity to reflect on the state of the FIA`.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem at the British Grand Prix
Mayer has also publicly accused Ben Sulayem of presiding over a `reign of terror` within the organization.
Responding to this serious claim, Ben Sulayem reportedly laughed. He commented, “Maybe in the election way in the United States you will notice that every candidate accuses the others of many things, but this is not my style. It is up to him, that is his style.”
Ben Sulayem further countered specific accusations from Mayer, including claims that he had created an `illusion of inclusion` at the FIA while concentrating power in his own hands.
Assessing the Early State of Play
Analysis:
Mohammed Ben Sulayem has responded to Tim Mayer`s aggressive campaign launch with strategic defenses. However, this election has the potential to expose divisions within the world of motorsport.
Formula 1 itself is maintaining neutrality in this race, which is why Mayer chose to launch his campaign at a hotel away from the Silverstone paddock, despite spending most of the British Grand Prix weekend there.
Tim Mayer in the paddock at Silverstone
The relationship between F1 and the current FIA president appears to be better than it was a year ago. This raises the question of where Ben Sulayem`s main opposition lies. Are former allies now leading the challenge? For instance, Motorsport UK chair David Richards, who supported Ben Sulayem against Graham Stoker in 2021, has become a prominent critic. Will Robert Reid, who recently served as Ben Sulayem`s deputy president for sport, formally endorse Mayer? Mayer has indicated Reid offered him advice.
While Lewis Hamilton previously voiced frustration over the FIA`s focus on minor issues like driver jewellery, his father Anthony is reportedly set to take on a role in an FIA young driver program. Mayer stated he would have challenged Ben Sulayem regardless of who else might have run. He faces a significant uphill battle. Several other figures, including well-known individuals from F1, considered running but ultimately decided against it.
Ben Sulayem enjoys considerable popularity among the member federations, particularly in regions like South America. This suggests he holds an advantageous position as the race begins.
Marcus Prine