FIA Responds to Tim Mayer’s Criticism of Presidential Election Process
The FIA has responded to former presidential candidate Tim Mayer’s critique of the electoral process for the upcoming FIA presidency, scheduled for December. Mayer has withdrawn from the race against incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem, citing the requirement that candidates have a vice president for sport from each FIA region, which he claims creates barriers for challengers.
Mayer’s concerns regarding candidate representation highlighted a significant disparity, with only one candidate from South America and two from Africa, all of whom are reportedly aligned with Ben Sulayem. He characterized the electoral process as “the illusion of democracy,” drawing attention to a 27 percent reduction in candidate numbers compared to the last election.
In its defense, the FIA asserted that the election procedures have been established for several months and are readily accessible, having been published on their website since June 13, 2025. An FIA spokesperson emphasized the structured nature of the presidential election process as vital for fairness and integrity.
“The requirements related to regional representation of vice presidents for sport are not new and have applied in previous elections,” the spokesperson stated. “Candidates had ample time to prepare since the detailed regulations were made public.”
With Mayer’s withdrawal, Ben Sulayem is poised to run unopposed, consolidating his position as the FIA’s presidential incumbent. This situation raises questions about the diversity and representation within the FIA’s governance as it heads toward the future.
