Tim Mayer withdraws from FIA presidential race, Mohammed Ben Sulayem assured of re-election

Since 2022, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has replaced Jean Todt as FIA president. Criticized, particularly for his methods deemed too firm and unilateral in some respects, the Emirati has seen a number of dissident candidates submit their candidacies. Recently, driver Laura Villars and former Miss Belgium Virginie Philippot were added to the list of contenders.

For his part, Tim Mayer, a former race steward ousted by Mohammed Ben Sulayem himself, was the first to stand up to his president. Having worked at the FIA ​​for over 15 years, the American, born and raised in the United Kingdom, seemed to have certain advantages, particularly in terms of his support. However, he announced this Friday that he was withdrawing from the presidential race, justifying his choice by an electoral rule preventing him from continuing his quest. “There is no choice. There will be no vote between ideas, no confrontation of visions, no test of leadership. There will be only one candidate, and that is not democracy; that is the illusion of democracy.” he then blames in this context.

Although his project is driven by a desire to promote greater transparency at the FIA, Tim Mayer, like all other declared or potential candidates, is being held back by a controversial rule. Current electoral rules require all candidates to submit the names of six potential vice-presidents for each of the FIA's global regions. However, Bernie Ecclestone's wife, Fabiana, is currently the only representative the candidates could convince in the South American region. Having declared her support for the current president, she renders any other form of candidacy null and void.

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Mohammed Ben Sulayem will continue at the head of the FIA

"The real campaign therefore continues, develops Tim Mayer in his speechFor every club that still believes in fairness; for every sport and mobility club that aspires to equal access to information, funding, and opportunities; for every participant who believes the FIA ​​should support them, not compete with them. We will continue to stand up for those who cannot and we will never rest until every member club feels free to speak out.

Acerbic about the situation facing him, the opponent of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has never hesitated to point out the president's alleged setbacks throughout the year, took the opportunity to reaffirm his convictions. “During our many travels around the world, many member clubs have confided in me, ‘We want to speak out, but we can’t.’ They fear losing projects, funding, or recognition if they challenge the current system, explains the American. This is why FIA Forward must persist, not for the sake of power, but as a matter of principle.

"So, even though the electoral regulations stipulate that there will be no election, our cause continues. Our campaign is not over, it is simply entering a new phase, he finally justifiesWe will continue to move the FIA ​​forward until democracy, service and partnership are no longer just words in the statutes, but the living values ​​that define our Federation on a daily basis, and we can deliver the changes the FIA ​​so desperately needs.”

In the meantime, this rule, which currently blocks any potential opposition, would tend to ensure the re-election of Mohammed Ben Sulayem at the end of the year.

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