Mayer out of FIA presidential race, citing electoral process blocking challengers

Tim Mayer has announced he is not able to progress in the FIA presidential election because the structure of the process has blocked challengers to incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem this year.

Ben Sulayem is set to run unopposed in the December election based on the requirement for candidates to submit a presidential list that includes one vice president for sport from every region. Those VPs must be drawn from those nominated for positions on the World Motor Sport Council, but with only one candidate from South America nominated, and two from Africa – all already aligned to Ben Sulayem – there is no chance of a challenger submitting a full presidential list.

Mayer says the list of candidates is already 27% smaller than the last election, and has left him with no way of standing against the incumbent.

“Quite simply, there is no choice,” Mayer said. “There will be no vote between ideas, no contest of visions, no test of leadership. There will be only one candidate and that’s not democracy – that’s the illusion of democracy.

“So the real campaign continues. For every club that still believes fairness matters; for every sport and mobility club that seeks equal access to information, funding, and opportunity; for every participant who believes the FIA should support them, not compete with them. We will continue to speak out for those who cannot and we will not rest until every Member Club feels free to speak for itself.

“Across our extensive travels around the globe, many Member Clubs told me, ‘We want to speak, but we can’t.’ They fear losing projects, funding, or recognition if they question the current system and that’s why FIA Forward must persist – not for power, but for principle.

“So, while the rules of the election mean that there will be no election, our cause continues. Our campaign is not over, it is just entering a new phase. We will keep driving the FIA forward until democracy, service, and partnership are not just words in a statute, but the living values that define our federation every day and we can bring into being the changes the FIA so desperately needs.”

Mayer also says the current system does not provide a democratic pathway for the president of the FIA to be selected.

“In the last election cycle, more than 40 candidates came forward for the World Motor Sport Council. This time, only 29. So what changed? Did Member Clubs suddenly lose interest in shaping the sport? Or were they persuaded – pressured – or promised something not to stand? I cannot say for sure.

“But when only three out of 12 eligible clubs across South America and Africa put themselves forward – independent of whether they supported me or not – it’s clear this is no longer a democratic process. When choice is replaced by control, democracy is diminished.

“Take South America – a continent passionate about motorsport. Only one candidate emerged.

“Fabiana Ecclestone has deep ties to Brazilian motorsport, and I respect her credentials. But as I traveled across the region, the same message resonated: ‘Motorsport in Brazil is not typical of motorsport across South America.’ Yet no other club chose to nominate someone, which would not have been a challenge to Mrs. Ecclestone, but an opportunity to broaden representation of their region and strengthen the sport across the continent.

“Now consider Africa – a region of 22 clubs across 47 nations, with vast promise and diversity. Only two candidates emerged – both declared supporters of the president.

“Amina Mohammed of Kenya is a respected and accomplished diplomat, but not a lifelong motorsport organizer. And Rodrigo Rocha was permitted to run because of an ‘Esports’ event quietly added to the international sporting calendar last month by an e-vote. An event that, though scheduled for last weekend, to the best of our knowledge, appears never to have taken place. It’s not even listed on his own club’s calendar or social media pages, which, in fact, is a situation that mirrors what happened the last time he was on the ballot, an event put on the calendar but never run.

“So I ask: is this how legitimacy should be built? Is this how African motorsport is best represented? Is this how to grow the sport in this critical region with so much untapped potential?

“‍When elections are decided before ballots are cast, that’s not democracy – that’s theater. And when Member Clubs are left with no real choice, they become spectators, not participants.”

Mayer promises to continue campaigning for reform within the FIA despite the lack of an opportunity to get his name on the ballot for the election, with a deadline of Oct. 24 for submitting a presidential list set to be the point when Ben Sulayem will be confirmed as running unchallenged.

“Over past months, traveling around the world, I have been supported, engaged, and advised by many clubs, organizations, and individuals. To all who supported and continue to support this journey – thank you. And I still have faith – in the clubs, in the volunteers, in people across motorsport and mobility who know that integrity still matters.

“So, while the rules of this election mean that there will be no election, our cause continues. Because real leadership isn’t just about who holds office; it’s about who holds faith.

“As challenging as the last few months have been for our campaign, and as hard the situation is now, I feel proud that we have acted with integrity throughout.

“So yes, the ballot box may be closed, and the members' voices silenced – for now, But we will keep driving the FIA Forward – until democracy, service, and partnership are not just an illusion, but the living values that define our federation, every day.”