Ben Sulayem responds to ‘reign of terror’ allegations by Mayer

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has responded publicly to accusations from election challenger Tim Mayer, who declared his candidacy last week with a blistering critique of the Emirati's leadership.

Mayer, a former long-serving former FIA official and a respected figure in global motorsport governance, launched his campaign during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, accusing Ben Sulayem of presiding over a "reign of terror" at the governing body.

He cited a "failure in leadership" and claimed the organization under Ben Sulayem has “never had less transparency.”

But the current president, who has led the FIA since 2021, dismissed the remarks in an interview with The Race, saying he prefers not to engage in public attacks.

“A Tongue Has No Bones”

Ben Sulayem was asked whether Mayer’s remarks irritated him. He dismissed the notion, emphasizing that public criticism is not his approach.

“Not really. It’s just that some people are disconnected to the FIA,” Ben Sulayem said when asked if he was irritated by Mayer’s comments.

“At the time of elections, we say a tongue has no bones. They can say whatever they feel if that’s the way to get them electoral votes.

“But let me ask you a question: have you ever read any article where I mentioned someone in a bad way? No. Thank you. That’s not my style.

“My style is connecting with the members, listening to them, and having the trust with them. That’s the only thing.”

Rather than being ruffled by Mayer’s claims, Ben Sulayem offered an invitation to critics to see the inner workings of the FIA firsthand.

“Have you been in the office of the FIA? I would like you to go to Geneva and go to Paris to see [what it is like] – and you are the one who decides if it is a reign of terror.

“No. People can speak and I am not a one-man show, because everything goes through governance [processes], and we have our ethics [committees].

“So really, it doesn’t bother me at all. I wish him well, whoever comes.”

Defending Financial Progress and Governance

Mayer’s claim that Ben Sulayem took undue credit for the FIA’s financial recovery post-Covid was also addressed. The Emirati pointed to the organization’s transparent financial oversight.

“The numbers never lie. With accounts, you press a button, and you go and look at the financials,” he explained.

“We have governance procedures, we have world councils and we have a bigger body, which is the general assembly.

“So we have smart people asking questions – with internal audits and external audits. And all of that is an illusion? No. We are a federation that is monitored, and we also watch what we do because we have a lot of people to answer to, which are our members.”

Welcoming Democratic Competition

Ben Sulayem also expressed openness to the electoral process, welcoming Mayer’s candidacy and the possibility of others joining the race.

“It is a democratic system,” he said. “Perhaps, it’s too democratic, because if you look at the guidelines of the IOC [International Olympic Committee], which we follow, they say that anyone – even you – can stand.

“But can you do that in FIFA [football’s governing body]? No. Can you do it in the IOC? Never! I welcome anyone coming forward. Maybe I will have to get my helmet back and go back to rallying. So, I mean, he’s most welcome to do it.”

• Read also: Mayer confirms FIA presidency, and uphill battle ahead

MBS also acknowledged the fluid nature of the candidacy, noting the recent withdrawal of Carlos Sainz Sr. from the race.

“In the end, will another person pop up? Carlos Sainz [Sr] was there for a while and he dropped out. Maybe there’s someone else,” he pondered.

“But truly they are welcome. I am actually busy with what I started. I would say it is also very, very clear. I would rather do one term and do it right, than stay as a puppet for three terms. That’s not me. I have never been like that. I will never do that.”

As the FIA presidency race heats up, Ben Sulayem’s response underscores his commitment to governance and transparency while embracing the democratic process, setting the stage for a contentious election.

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