close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • US
FIA, Ben Sulayem, socials

Sacked F1 steward set launch bid to take down controversial FIA boss

Sacked F1 steward set launch bid to take down controversial FIA boss

FIA, Ben Sulayem, socials

A former F1 steward is preparing to announce a run at the presidency of the FIA this year.

Tim Mayer will be standing against the controversial Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who fired the American from his F1 role late last year after representing COTA during a hearing after a crowd invasion following the 2024 US Grand Prix.

In the aftermath, Mayer came out in criticism of his former employer, and now believes he is the man to take the sport in a new direction.

BBC Sport have reported that the American will hold a news conference announcing his candidature on Friday near Silverstone ahead of this weekend's British GP at the iconic track.

Mayer must provide a full team of officials to fill the senior roles within the FIA before he is granted permission to stand as a candidate, and will also be subject to scrutiny by the governing body's nominations committee.

However, an insider close to Mayer told the BBC that he was confident he had the support required to launch a bid.

The news comes just one week after Carlos Sainz Sr announced he would not run for the FIA president role having initially signalled his intention to stand in May.

READ MORE: FIA confirm DOUBLE penalty for Red Bull star after Austrian Grand Prix collision

FIA chief Ben Sulayem under pressure

Mayer - son of former McLaren team principal Teddy Mayer - has held several senior positions within the world of motorsport, including with the American Le Mans series, while he spent 15 years as an F1 race steward before his dismissal.

He is one of many senior figures within the organisation to have been sacked over the past 18 months, including former race director Niels Wittich, who was relieved of his duties shortly before Mayer.

Ben Sulayem has come under fire from many of his former staff members in recent years, with ex-chief executive officer Natalie Robyn and deputy president for sport, Robert Reid, both questioning the culture within the FIA.

The 63-year-old has also been on the receiving end of criticism from some of the sport's top drivers, with multiple-time world champions Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton among those to voice their concerns, as well as Grand Prix Drivers' Association director, George Russell.

READ MORE: FIA confirm Mercedes F1 star set for punishment

Related

NASCAR Mohammed Ben Sulayem COTA BBC Sport Carlos Sainz Sr
Rival F1 boss reveals thoughts on Max Verstappen team swap
Formula 1

Rival F1 boss reveals thoughts on Max Verstappen team swap

  • Yesterday 21:00
Lewis Hamilton set for new Ferrari role as disastrous season continues
Formula 1

Lewis Hamilton set for new Ferrari role as disastrous season continues

  • Yesterday 17:00
Ontdek het op Google Play