The campaign for the next FIA presidency has ignited into open conflict, with current FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem dismissing claims that his leadership has created a “reign of terror” within motorsport’s highest governing body.
The comments came after former F1 steward Tim Mayer publicly launched his bid for the role, setting up a potentially dramatic showdown for the December 2025 election.
The latest flare-up began on the eve of the 2025 British Grand Prix, where Mayer, an influential figure in motorsport administration and recently dismissed from his FIA stewardship post, accused Ben Sulayem of failing to deliver on reform promises and presiding over a toxic environment.
Mayer painted a picture of an organisation where, “If you look at the number of people who have resigned from the FIA who have gone in with the best intentions but cannot effect change, or say ‘No this is a bad idea, Mr President’. It is a reign of terror. You are wondering when the next scandal is.”
Ben Sulayem, who became FIA president in December 2021, has faced a string of controversies during his tenure, ranging from questions about governance to internal resignations and high-profile disputes over Formula 1 regulations.
But in a defiant interview, the 63-year-old Emirati insisted he is unbothered by the accusations. “I just laughed. I actually had a smile. I said whoever is saying this, they are disconnected with the FIA. Honestly,” Ben Sulayem told Reuters.
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He continued: “You go to the FIA and just enter and see. Sit with them, tell them it’s just between you and them, and ask them the question. I think maybe he’s confusing the period. Have you ever read any article where I said negatively about a single person? That’s not me.”
Battle for the FIA heats up
The stakes for motorsport’s most powerful job are higher than ever, with the FIA’s role in overseeing Formula 1, World Endurance Championship, Formula E and dozens of national federations under the spotlight.
For a time, it seemed Ben Sulayem would face no opposition in his reelection campaign, especially after rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr. dropped out as a candidate. But Mayer’s late entry has now turned the contest into an unpredictable two-man race.
Despite the pointed criticism, Ben Sulayem insists he welcomes the challenge and the scrutiny that comes with it.
“It’s like putting your helmet and gloves back on. Really it reminds me of competitions, and competition is always good,” Ben Sulayem said. He went further to defend his administration, saying, “We have such clear guidelines that now you cannot fiddle around with anything and that will never happen, not in my reign.”
The public war of words sets the stage for a contentious leadership battle as both men vie to shape the direction of world motorsport. With issues of transparency, internal culture and F1’s global expansion all in play, the coming months promise a closer look than ever at the inner workings of the FIA.
