In a dramatic escalation of turmoil within Formula 1’s governing body, ousted F1 steward Tim Mayer has blasted FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, decrying the dismissal of both himself and highly-regarded Deputy Formula 2 Race Director Janette Tam. Mayer, a 15-year veteran of the FIA, didn’t hold back, accusing the organization of mismanagement and jeopardizing the sport’s officiating future.
“A Leadership Crisis?” Mayer’s Scathing Rebuke
Mayer, who claims he was unceremoniously fired via text, expressed profound concerns about the FIA’s decision-making under Ben Sulayem, particularly in light of Tam’s sacking. With Tam poised to step into the role of F2 Race Director, Mayer described her as a “generational talent” whose abrupt departure undermines the FIA’s future.
“[Tam] is the epitome of the type of person we want working for the FIA, the best of the next generation of race directors,” Mayer told BBC Sport. “One would think they would work very hard to keep someone of her character.”
Instead, current F1 Race Director Rui Marques—already under immense pressure after his Las Vegas debut—will now juggle both F1 and F2 responsibilities at the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.
“I like Rui a lot, but it will put him under incredible pressure. They’re not doing themselves any favors. They are literally running out of people to do those jobs,” Mayer warned.
“A Federation at Odds”
Mayer believes his own dismissal was politically motivated. As Sporting Organizer for the three U.S. Grands Prix, he recently represented the Circuit of the Americas in a €500,000 “right of review” hearing regarding a controversial track invasion. He suggested that his professional handling of the case somehow angered Ben Sulayem.
“In the process, there were hurt feelings on behalf of the president, which I think is odd because there was no cause for his feelings to be hurt,” Mayer explained.
Mayer also criticized the unceremonious manner of his firing, calling it a low point for an organization reliant on dedicated professionals.
“For a federation that relies on volunteers, to fire by text somebody who has made a significant contribution does not speak well of the management of the federation,” Mayer added.
“A Fragile Future for FIA Officials”
Mayer’s concerns extend beyond his own dismissal, warning that the FIA is running dangerously low on certified elite race directors, labeled “platinum-level” by the organization. The loss of Tam, Wittich, and others in recent months only compounds the pressure on Marques and raises questions about the FIA’s long-term stability.
“It’s a lot of work, and if you’re doing the job right, you wake up every day with an ulcer thinking of all the various things you need to be thinking about,” Mayer remarked. “They’re literally running out of people to do those jobs.”
Driver Frustration Mounts
The unrest within the FIA has not gone unnoticed in the paddock. George Russell, GPDA Director, voiced concerns over the lack of communication and transparency surrounding these dismissals, echoing a sentiment of unease among drivers.
“Just when we’ve asked for transparency and consistency, we’re getting rid of two highly important people in the governing body,” Russell said. “It must be super challenging for everyone within the FIA right now.”
“A Federation Under Fire”
Mayer’s explosive comments underscore a growing narrative of dysfunction within the FIA under Ben Sulayem’s leadership. As Formula 1 continues its meteoric rise in popularity, such internal conflicts threaten to overshadow the sport’s achievements on track. With two critical Grands Prix remaining, all eyes will be on the FIA’s ability to maintain stability amid a whirlwind of controversy.
