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FIA Presidential Election Called 'Theatre' as Tim Mayer Withdraws

FIA Presidential Election Called 'Theatre' as Tim Mayer Withdraws

Summary
Tim Mayer has withdrawn from the 2025 FIA presidential election, slamming the process as 'theatre' and 'an illusion of democracy' due to structural impediments favoring the incumbent. He has filed ethics complaints, alleging a lack of transparency and a system designed to prevent genuine opposition, leaving current FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem set for an unopposed second term amid concerns over governance and accountability.

Tim Mayer has withdrawn from the 2025 FIA presidential race, branding the election process as 'theatre' and 'an illusion of democracy.' Mayer, who launched his FIA Forward campaign on a platform of transparency and reform, cited structural issues within the governing body's statutes that effectively create a one-horse race.

Why it matters:

Mayer's withdrawal highlights significant concerns about the democratic integrity of the FIA's presidential election process. His allegations of a system rigged in favor of the incumbent, coupled with ethics complaints, cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the upcoming vote and could deepen internal divisions at a critical time for global motorsport.

The Details:

  • Withdrawal Reason: Mayer claims the FIA statutes, which require presidential candidates to submit a list of regional vice-presidents nominated for the World Motor Sport Council, make it impossible for opposition candidates to stand.
    • Lack of Nominees: He pointed out that with only one nominee from South America (Fabiana Ecclestone, who backs Ben Sulayem) and two from Africa (both aligned with the incumbent), he had no legitimate path to fulfill the nomination requirements.
  • 'Illusion of Democracy': Mayer stated that with effectively only one candidate, the election is "over," and there will be "no vote between ideas, no contest of visions, no test of leadership."
  • Reduced Nominee Pool: Mayer expressed concern that the number of eligible World Motor Sport Council nominees dropped from 40 in 2021 to 29 in 2025, questioning whether clubs were "persuaded, pressured or promised something not to stand."
  • Ethics Complaints: He has submitted multiple ethics complaints to the FIA, alleging a lack of transparency from the nominations committee and broader structural failings within the organization.
    • Accountability Gap: Mayer highlighted that the statutes provide no appeal process for such complaints, with the FIA President or Senate President (both conflicted parties) being the only avenues for action, leading to "power without brakes."

Between the lines:

This situation underscores a recurring tension within the FIA between established power structures and calls for greater transparency and democratic principles. The claims of a system that actively stifles opposition are not new to major sports governing bodies and often lead to questions about governance and accountability. Mayer's public criticism, even after withdrawing, ensures that these issues remain on the agenda.

What's next:

With Mayer's withdrawal, Mohammed Ben Sulayem is now poised to secure a second term as FIA President unopposed in the December elections. Despite this, Mayer's FIA Forward campaign will continue to advocate for integrity and equal representation. The outcome of his ethics complaints and the broader implications for the FIA's governance structure will be closely watched by member clubs and the wider motorsport community.

Original Article :https://speedcafe.com/f1-news-2025-fia-election-tim-mayer-mohammed-ben-sulayem-w...

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