Former FIA steward Tim Mayer set to enter FIA presidential race!

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Veteran motorsport official Tim Mayer is reportedly set to enter the race for the presidency of the FIA, the governing body of global motorsport, challenging current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the December 2025 election.

According to report from the BBC, Mayer, a former long-standing FIA steward and highly respected figure within international racing circles, will formally launch his campaign during a press conference on Friday morning near Silverstone – just as the British Grand Prix weekend gets underway.

The 59-year-old American brings decades of experience to the table. The son of former McLaren team boss Teddy Mayer, he has held prominent roles in a number of U.S.-based series, including Champ Car, IMSA, and the American Le Mans Series.

He also served as an FIA steward across multiple championships – most notably in Formula 1 – for more than 15 years.

However, Mayer’s relationship with the current FIA administration ended abruptly in November 2024, when he was dismissed from his stewarding role by Ben Sulayem.

The firing followed Mayer’s involvement in a “right of review” hearing representing the Circuit of the Americas, which challenged a fine levied on the venue after a crowd invasion at last year’s U.S. Grand Prix.

FIA President, Mohammed Bin Sulayem.

Mayer later told BBC Sport that Ben Sulayem believed an aspect of the hearing was "a personal attack on him."

His dismissal came during a turbulent period within the FIA, which saw a wave of senior officials leave or be removed from their positions. Mayer was one of four such figures ousted within a two-week span, including former F1 race director Niels Wittich.

Campaign Underway, Candidacy to Be Reviewed

Mayer has not yet issued a public statement, but an insider close to his campaign confirmed he has the necessary support to stand. Under FIA rules, presidential candidates must present a full slate of proposed officials for key roles within their potential administration.

Additionally, Mayer’s eligibility must be reviewed by the FIA’s nominations committee, which reports to the current president.

Read also: Sainz Jr. reflects on father’s decision to forgo FIA presidency bid

The upcoming election is shaping into a high-profile contest, with Mayer’s entry promising to challenge Ben Sulayem's leadership amid continued internal scrutiny of the FIA’s governance.

Earlier this year, rally legend and three-time Dakar Rally winner Carlos Sainz Sr. announced that he was considering a bid for the FIA presidency. But the Spaniard ultimately declined to run, leaving the field wide open for a challenger like Mayer to mount a serious campaign.

Mayer’s announcement marks a significant moment in what could become a pivotal election for the future direction of global motorsport.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.