FIA election: Tim Mayer to run for president against Mohammed Ben Sulayem to head up world motorsport

Former leading F1 steward Tim Mayer has announced he will challenge Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the presidency of the FIA in December's election.

Mayer, a long-time official in US motorsport and the son of McLaren co-founder Teddy, confirmed he had joined the race in a press conference near Silverstone on Friday morning ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix.

Launching his campaign, Mayer said: "It's called FIA Forward because it's time for new energy, new focus and renewed integrity at the heart of our federation."

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Mayer was an F1 steward for 15 years but last November said he had been sacked from the role amid fallout from the United States GP when, in his separate role as alternate delegate for the grands prix in the USA, had led the Circuit of the Americas in a right of review hearing after it was fined €500,000, €350,000 of which was suspended until December 2026, after a track invasion by fans as the race finished.

Asked if his candidature was borne out of 'revenge' Mayer insisted: "It really isn't. His asking me to step down as a Formula 1 steward presented me with an opportunity to reflect on the values of the FIA. What do we want the organisation to be?

"This time has brought into focus my view that we really need to have a professional organisation, one that values our volunteers and Member Clubs, is looking for growth - particularly for the under-served countries. I've always been passionate about the FIA, and what happened last year increased that passion rather than diminished it."

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Two-time World Rally champion Carlos Sainz Snr, the father of the Williams driver, last week announced that he would not be running having ultimately decided that "circumstances are not ideal to set the grounds for my candidacy".

The FIA election takes place on December 12 at its general assembly in Uzbekistan, where the global member clubs of motorsport's governing body will elect a president for the next four-year term.

Ben Sulaymen, himself a former rally driver, won the last election against Briton Graham Stoker in December 2021 after the long-serving Jean Todt stood down having reached the FIA's three-term limit.

An FIA statement on the election read: "The FIA Presidential election is a structured and democratic process, to ensure fairness, transparency, and integrity at every stage. It is conducted in accordance with the FIA Statutes.

"The Presidential List, which includes the President of the FIA is elected by FIA Member Clubs with full voting rights, representing both the Sport and Mobility pillars of the organisation.

"In line with the FIA's commitment to impartiality and to preserve equal treatment of candidates, FIA staff members are required to maintain strict neutrality throughout the process.

"The Federation will continue to operate as normal, delivering on its responsibilities to its Members and across all areas of motor sport and mobility."

Sky Sports F1's British GP schedule

Friday July 4
8.45am: F3 Practice
9.55am: F2 Practice
12pm: British GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
2.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3.35pm: British GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5.15pm: The F1 Show

Saturday July 5
9.10am: F3 Sprint
11.15pm: British GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: British GP Qualifying build-up*
3pm: BRITISH GP QUALIFYING*
4.55pm: F4 Race 1
5.40pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook

Sunday July 6
8.15am: F4 Race 2
9.25am: F3 Feature Race
11am: F2 Feature Race
1.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: British GP build-up*
3pm: THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX*
5pm: Chequered Flag: British GP reaction*
6pm: Ted's Notebook*

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Next up in the 2025 Formula 1 season is the big one, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone - live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Showcase with Sunday's race at 3pm. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime.