Long-Time FIA Steward Tim Mayer has announced his candidacy for FIA President under the ‘FIA Forward’ banner.
At present Mayer is the only current candidate who has declared an intention to stand against the incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA President’s removal of Mayer as an FIA Steward one of a number of controversies in recent months.
Mayer, whose career in motorsport includes senior positions in RallyCross, Formula E, World Endurance Championship and Formula One, with 34 years of professional experience.
Amongst other positions, he has been Senior VP for Racing Operations for IndyCar/Champ Car 1998-2003, organizing races across North and South America, Europe and Asia, Chief Operating Officer of IMSA and the American Le Mans Series 2004-2009, and a member of the Board of Directors of the US ASN since 1998.
Mayer was an FIA Steward from 2009 for: GT1, GT World Cup, Touring Car, Formula E, WRX, WEC, 24Hours WRC and F1 and was Permanent Chair of F1 Stewards from 2016 to 2024.
In addition he has been an FIA Commission member for FIA Off Road Commission, FIA Endurance Commission, FIA Track Inspector – circuits Commission, International Sporting Code Expert Working Group; Race Directors’ training group; Stewards’ Training group as well as being a deputy World Council Member 2009-2024 and Deputy FIA Delegate for the United States
2009-2024.
Mayer proclaims himself to be driven to create and lead FIA Forward by a deep concern for the current direction and governance of the FIA, his principal aims are for fair and open governance, a focus on the growth of mobility clubs in under-served regions; realistic growth of sport clubs at grassroots levels and forward-looking governance of international championships, nurturing professional officiating.
He is backed by a team of professionals that will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tim Mayer: “FIA Forward believes strongly that governance must be the first pillar of real reform and that’s all about values. FIA Forward is about restoring genuine democracy — where every member club, large or small, has a voice; promoting diverse perspectives as a structural priority; rebuilding a culture that welcomes challenge, where policy is built collaboratively;
allocating resources to meet the needs of the clubs for long-term growth.
“Above all, we need transparent, two-way reporting, and honest evaluations because governance is not about control. It’s about service. The FIA must serve its members — not the other way around.
“I know what it takes to lead a global organization, one that partners with stakeholders, and treats them all with respect, how to deliver stability, how FIA governance should and can be
achieved, and what it will take to hold the organization accountable. Most importantly, I’m very aware where the greatest difference can be made, by listening to and supporting Member
Clubs, especially those in underserved regions.
“There’s a lot of work to do but we believe we have the right team to do it and aim to drive the FIA forward to a Federation that delivers real value, real partnership and real leadership.
I hope you’ll come with me on the journey.”
