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Chaos at the Top: FIA crisis Deepens as Senior Steward Blasts Ben Sulayem After Firing by Text

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
November 29, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
FIA President Ben Sulayem Slams Increasing F1 Radio Swearing: “Drivers Aren’t Rappers”

The FIA’s latest internal shake-ups have ignited fresh controversy, with senior steward Tim Mayer publicly criticizing FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem after being unceremoniously dismissed via text message. Mayer, who has served in various capacities within the FIA for over 15 years, joins a growing list of high-profile departures, raising questions about the stability and direction of motorsport’s governing body.

Mayer Speaks Out: A Text-Message Farewell

Mayer revealed to the BBC that he was terminated following his involvement in representing the United States Grand Prix organizers in a recent review process. This right of review, which concerned the wording of a report on a post-race track invasion at Circuit of the Americas, concluded without public fallout. However, Mayer alleges the incident led to his dismissal, which he claims was unjustified:

“The official reason that will be given is a supposed conflict of interest due to my role as an organizer,” Mayer said. “But that’s not the real reason. After 15 years of volunteering my time and teaching others, I got a text from one of [Ben Sulayem’s] assistants. That’s how it ended.”

Mass Departures Continue

Mayer’s exit is part of a troubling trend within the FIA. Among recent departures are former F1 race director Niels Wittich, compliance officer Paulo Basarri, and high-profile figures such as CEO Natalie Robyn, sporting director Steve Nielsen, and technical director Tim Goss. Formula 2 deputy race director Janette Tan has also left, reportedly under unexplained circumstances, leaving Rui Marques, the newly-appointed F1 race director, to handle an expanded workload across F1, F2, and F1 Academy this weekend in Qatar.

Mayer praised Tan, describing her as “the epitome of the type of person we want working for the FIA,” and questioned why the governing body is not doing more to retain key personnel:

“They are literally running out of people to do these jobs. It’s a lot of work, and if you’re doing it right, it’s a constant mental and physical challenge.”

Drivers Voice Concerns

Mercedes driver George Russell, also a Director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), expressed unease about the FIA’s tumultuous state:

“We’ve asked for transparency and consistency, but instead we’re seeing two key figures leave in a short time. We still don’t know why Niels [Wittich] was removed. These constant changes create instability, and it’s challenging for everyone in the sport.”

Russell went further, emphasizing the difficulties these abrupt changes present for the FIA:

“Any organization with this level of turnover is going to struggle to maintain stability. We need clarity on what’s happening and who’s next. Right now, it feels like there’s no plan.”

A Growing Crisis

The turmoil within the FIA comes at a critical juncture for Formula 1, as the sport continues to enjoy unprecedented popularity and financial growth. Yet, the governance of motorsport appears increasingly fractured, with Mayer’s comments underscoring the mounting dissatisfaction within its ranks.

With high-stakes decisions to be made—ranging from rulebook revisions to stewarding controversies—questions loom about whether the FIA can maintain its credibility and consistency amid this upheaval. As Russell and others have pointed out, the organization’s instability risks undermining the very transparency and fairness that teams and drivers have long demanded.

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