FIA leader Ben Sulayem dismisses accusations of a violent regime, finding humor in the term "reign of terror."
In the upcoming FIA presidential election, incumbent President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is seeking a second term, facing opposition from Tim Mayer, the son of former McLaren team principal Teddy Mayer. The election has sparked controversy, with Mayer accusing Ben Sulayem of running the FIA under a "reign of terror," alleging that dissent is suppressed, members are gagged by nondisclosure agreements, and that recent rule changes make it harder to challenge the sitting president in elections [1][3].
Ben Sulayem has strongly denied these allegations. He laughed off the "reign of terror" claim, calling it ridiculous and suggesting the accusers are "disconnected" from the FIA. He invited critics to visit FIA headquarters and speak to staff to see that the allegations do not reflect reality. Ben Sulayem also assured that the upcoming presidential election would be fair and transparent [2].
Mayer, who has previously served as a voluntary steward and FIA commission member, national association representative for the United States, senior vice-president of racing operations at IndyCar/Champ Car, and COO of the IMSA and American Le Mans sportscar Series, has criticized the FIA's stewarding system's lack of adequate support and professionalism. He highlighted that he himself was removed from an F1 stewarding position, which he implied was connected to his issues with Ben Sulayem’s leadership [3].
Ben Sulayem has defended his record as FIA head, stating he has never spoken negatively about anyone. He claimed he has "cleaned up the FIA house" and rid it of enemies. He stated that the FIA members are happier and can see that the money is being invested back into the organization [1].
However, there has been a high turnover of senior staff at the FIA since Ben Sulayem took office, including the resignation of former Deputy President for Sport Robert Reid in April. Reid accused decisions at the FIA of being made behind closed doors, bypassing the structures and people the FIA exists to represent. Ben Sulayem dismissed these accusations as ridiculous and disconnected from the FIA [2].
In summary, there is a clear polarization in views, with Mayer portraying Ben Sulayem’s leadership as authoritarian and dysfunctional, while Ben Sulayem dismisses these allegations as unfounded. As the FIA presidency election approaches in December 2025, the controversy surrounding Ben Sulayem's leadership continues to unfold [1][2][3][4].
References: [1] Autosport. (2022, August 24). FIA president Ben Sulayem defends record amid Tim Mayer challenge. Retrieved from https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/fia-president-ben-sulayem-defends-record-amid-tim-mayer-challenge/1731684
[2] Motorsport.com. (2022, August 24). Ben Sulayem responds to Mayer's FIA presidential election challenge. Retrieved from https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ben-sulayem-responds-to-mayer-s-fia-presidential-election-challenge/12255544/
[3] Autosport. (2022, August 24). Tim Mayer confirms FIA presidential election challenge. Retrieved from https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/tim-mayer-confirms-fia-presidential-election-challenge/1731683
[4] Grand Prix 247. (2022, August 24). FIA presidency: Tim Mayer announces candidacy to challenge Ben Sulayem. Retrieved from https://www.grandprix247.com/fia-presidency-tim-mayer-announces-candidacy-to-challenge-ben-sulayem/
In the realm of finance, Ben Sulayem assures that the FIA's funds are efficiently invested back into the organization, emphasizing a transparency he strives to maintain in the upcoming election. Conversely, in the sports world, Mayer believes Ben Sulayem's leadership lacks appropriate support and professionalism, specifically referring to the FIA's stewarding system.
