Yesterday at 10:10
FIA presidential candidate Tim Mayer has responded to a letter
complaining of him making a "deeply unfair" remark, from FIA's
Women in Motorsport Commission President, Burcu Cetinkaya.. The
letter from Cetinkaya outlined her frustration and disagreement at
comments made by Mayer during the launch of his FIA presidential
campaign at the British Grand Prix, attended by RacingNews365 . In
particular, Mayer has been "urged to reconsider" his comment that
"the illusion of inclusion, especially women being pushed out"
under the current FIA leadership of Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Cetinkaya, a senior member amongst Ben Sulayem's administration at
the FIA, wholeheartedly disagrees with Mayer's comment, and
outlined in a letter, seen by RacingNews365 , what progress has
been made for women in motorsport during Ben Sulayem's term. Read
Cetinkaya's letter to Mayer below Cetinkaya's letter to Mayer on
Women in motorsport Dear Tim, I'm writing this note personally,
from the heart — not as part of any campaign or political
narrative, but as someone who has lived through the very challenges
you're speaking about. When we talk about inclusion, especially for
women and women of colour, we have a responsibility to honour truth
over perception — and experience over assumptions. I understand the
emotion behind your remarks, but I also believe it's essential we
get the facts right, because saying otherwise risks erasing the
very progress we've worked so hard for. Since President Mohammed
Ben Sulayem took office in 2021, we have witnessed real, measurable
steps forward in gender representation — not symbolic gestures, but
meaningful appointments and policies that are changing the culture
of the FIA from the inside out: For the first time in FIA history,
two women were appointed Vice Presidents. Fatma Samoura, a globally
respected woman of colour and former FIFA Secretary General, was
appointed to the FIA Senate. Along with Dr. Amina Mohamed from
Kenya and myself now 4 women hold a seat on the World Motor Sport
Council, highest in FIA history. The WRC Sporting Director is a
woman — leading at the highest levels of our sport. Multiple FIA
Commissions, including Volunteers and Officials, Road Sport
Committee are now chaired by women — which marks a genuine shift
from previous years. And for the first time ever, I serve as the
first non-European President of the Women in Motorsport Commission.
But beyond appointments, we are building systems to ensure lasting
impact. For example, in the new High Performance Programme for
Stewards — one of the most competitive and selective training
tracks in the FIA — half of the selected candidates are women,
representing over 100 female applicants from many different
countries. That is a concrete step towards equity in the sport,
built not on quotas but on talent. Tim, I have firsthand experience
of being overlooked, underestimated, and at times, entirely unseen
in this sport. But I also know what it feels like to finally be
given space, trust, and responsibility — and that has happened
under this leadership. That is why I felt the need to write to you
directly. We all want more. And yes, there's still a long road
ahead. But to claim that women — especially women of colour — are
being pushed aside in today's FIA is not only inaccurate, it's
deeply unfair to those of us who are here, working every day to
widen the doors that were once closed to us. I urge you to
reconsider your remarks, not because of politics, but because of
principle. We must build on facts, and move forward with respect
for those who are paving the way — not in spite of their identity,
but with pride in it. With respect, Burcu Çetinkaya Chair, FIA
Women in Motorsport Commission FIA WMSC Member Mayer responds
Following the letter from Cetinkaya, Mayer has since issued a
letter in response, also seen by RacingNews365 . In the letter,
Mayer thanked Cetinkaya for raising the "global concern", but
stressed that he defended his statement and wanted to "push for
change" to increase the number of women in motorsport in senior FIA
positions. Read Mayer's letter to Cetinkaya below Mayer's letter of
response to Cetinkaya Dear Burcu, Thank you for your letter
highlighting this global concern. I am always open to constructive
dialogue, especially when it comes to such incredibly important
topics as inclusion. Let me state up front that I celebrate the
individual achievements of women of all backgrounds who have
struggled to have their voice heard and who's lived experiences can
inform fundamental change. But I stand by my statement. No number
of appointments can cover up the fact that women in positions of
power at the FIA, especially those that interact in senior
management roles with the presidential team, have been marginalised
or pushed out. Victories, large and small, should be celebrated.
But until the FIA becomes a place where all voices are heard and
respected equally, it is our obligation and my commitment to push
for change. Sincere Regards, Tim Mayer Candidate for President of
the FIA