Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Tim Mayer and FIA presidential election race defined after combative begin | F1 Information

A dramatic Sunday on monitor on the British Grand Prix overshadowed one other vital race that has began off it – the one to move up the governing physique of world motorsport.

It emerged final Friday that the incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem is about to face a problem for the FIA presidency in December’s election from American Tim Mayer, a former long-time F1 steward who has additionally held senior roles in US motorsport.

Components 1 is the largest of the numerous world championships that the FIA governs, however the election itself will not be voted on by the racing sequence themselves however by 245 world member golf equipment representing motorsport and mobility. The election for the following four-year presidential time period takes place on December 12 on the governing physique’s annual normal assemblies.

Ben Sulayem is in search of a second time period having succeeded Jean Todt after the Frenchman reached the position’s three-term restrict.

On the weekend Mayer’s problem was confirmed, Sky Sports activities Information reporter Craig Slater spoke to each candidates throughout the Silverstone weekend – along with his interviews contained within the video on the high of the web page.

Added spice within the 2025 contest comes from the actual fact Ben Sulayem sacked Mayer from his position as a steward final November. Mayer mentioned whereas he was not standing out of “revenge”, he had discovered his elimination from the position “disappointing” with it since having given him “a possibility to replicate on the state of the FIA”.

He has additionally accused Ben Sulayem of overseeing a “reign of terror” on the organisation.

Requested for his response to that declare, Ben Sulayem instructed Sky Sports activities Information::”Once I was instructed, I simply laughed.

“Perhaps within the election means in the US you’ll discover that each candidate accuses the others of many issues, however this isn’t my type. It’s as much as him, that’s his type.”

Ben Sulayem additionally countered extra particular allegations from Mayer that he had delivered an “phantasm of inclusion” at F1’s governing physique and sought to pay attention energy in his personal palms.

Assessing the early state of play

Evaluation from Sky Sports activities Information reporter Craig Slater:

Mohammed Ben Sulayem responded to Tim Mayer’s punchy begin to this contest with some deft counters. However will this election reveal fault strains that divide world motorsport?

F1 will sit in a impartial nook, therefore Mayer launching his marketing campaign at a resort in Towcester, fairly than the Silverstone paddock the place he spent many of the British Grand Prix weekend.

F1’s relationship with the FIA president seems higher than it was a 12 months in the past – so are his greatest opponents elsewhere? Do former allies of Ben Sulayem now type the opposition ‘entrance bench?’ In 2021, Motorsport UK chair David Richards backed Ben Sulayem towards British candidate Graham Stoker, however has develop into one in every of his foremost critics. Will Robert Reid, till not too long ago Ben Sulayem’s deputy president for sport, formally again Mayer’s bid? Mayer revealed he had provided him recommendation.

Lewis Hamilton voiced frustration that the FIA fussed over driver jewelry and underwear fairly than extra vital issues, but his father Anthony seems set to take an FIA position in a younger driver programme. Mayer says he would have stood towards Ben Sulayem even when Carlos Sainz Snr had been nonetheless working for the presidency. He faces a really robust problem. Others, together with at the very least one well-known F1 determine, weighed up working however determined towards it.

Ben Sulayem is fashionable among the many member federations, significantly in locations like South America. Is he on pole for this race?

F1 takes a short break earlier than the season resumes on the Belgian Grand Prix because the Dash format returns, reside on Sky Sports activities F1 on July 25-27. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime.