The motorsport world is shaken as the battle for the FIA Presidency heats up, with Mohammed Ben Sulayem facing accusations of a ‘reign of terror’ from his election rival Tim Mayer. The incumbent Ben Sulayem, who has been in office since December 2021, is gearing up for a showdown with former FIA chairman of the stewards, Tim Mayer, in the upcoming election later this year.
Mayer didn’t hold back in his criticism of Ben Sulayem, accusing him of creating illusions of progress, inclusion, leadership, transparency, and financial turnaround during his tenure. He went as far as calling Ben Sulayem’s leadership a “reign of terror,” leaving many wondering about the next scandal to surface under his watch.
In response to Mayer’s allegations, Ben Sulayem remained unfazed, stating, “I just don’t read [personal attacks]. I’m sorry, I don’t believe that I have the time. So it doesn’t affect me, because I don’t know about it. I don’t read. I read the important things, not the personal attack.” This nonchalant attitude only adds fuel to the fire of this intense rivalry.
As the election battle intensifies, Mayer emphasized that his campaign is not driven by retaliation but by a genuine desire for change. However, Ben Sulayem made it clear that he will not be drawn into petty arguments, stating, “I am not going to fall into this way of campaigning where I answer someone. He is free to say whatever he wants.”
With the vote for the next FIA Presidency set to take place at the General Assembly in Uzbekistan on December 12th, Ben Sulayem seems to have strong support from member clubs across various regions. Despite Mayer’s uphill challenge, he remains determined to challenge Ben Sulayem’s position and bring about what he believes is necessary change within the FIA.
The upcoming months promise to be filled with drama and tension as the battle for the FIA Presidency unfolds. Will Ben Sulayem maintain his grip on power, or will Mayer’s campaign for change resonate with the FIA members? Only time will tell as the motorsport world braces for a new era in leadership.
