03/07/2025 13:23
Mohammed Ben Sulayem will not be running for re-election as FIA
president unopposed, it has emerged, with a challenger set to
declare their candidacy imminently. RacingNews365 understands that
person will be former FIA steward Tim Mayer, who was relieved of
his duties last November. The American is due to announce his bid
to succeed incumbent Ben Sulayem at the helm of the motorsport
governing body at a press conference near Silverstone, where the
British Grand Prix is being held this weekend, on the morning of
Friday, July 4. Mayer's right to stand in the election will be
subject to scrutiny from the FIA nominations committee, which
answers to Ben Sulayem. However, it is believed the 59-year-old has
the required support to stand. Under the governing body's campaign
rules, a candidate must have potential officials for a wide range
of positions in their would-be administration already lined up
before having their candidacy given the green light. Carlos Sainz
Sr., father of Williams driver and GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers'
Association) director Carlos Sainz Jr., did look set to run against
Ben Sulayem, only for the two-time WRC champion to opt not to
stand. Mayer comes from a rich motorsport background, with his
father Teddy having been McLaren boss from Bruce McLaren's death in
1970 until 1982, when he left the position of joint managing
director, a role he shared at the time with Ron Dennis.
