The world of Formula 1 has been rocked by yet another controversy involving the sport’s governing body, the FIA. In a scathing rebuke, recently dismissed race steward Tim Mayer has shed light on the alleged interference by FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem in the decision-making process of the supposedly independent stewards. Mayer’s revelations paint a picture of an organization in turmoil, struggling to retain key personnel amidst a series of high-profile departures.
Shock Dismissal and Presidential Overreach
Mayer, a veteran race steward with 15 years of experience, claims he was unceremoniously fired via text message on Tuesday. In an interview with the BBC, he alleged that President ben Sulayem had directly involved himself in the decision-making process of the stewards, despite their purported independence.
There are times when he has directly involved himself in making his views known. Not with the stewards directly, but via his staff.
– Tim Mayer, former FIA race steward
Mayer’s dismissal comes on the heels of several other high-profile departures from the FIA, including Formula 2 deputy race director Janette Tan, former F1 race director Niels Wittich, and compliance officer Paoli Basarri. The exodus has left the organization struggling to fill key roles, with Mayer warning that they are “literally running out of people to do those jobs.”
Drivers’ Frustrations and Fines
The controversy surrounding the FIA’s management extends beyond personnel issues. Mayer confirmed that the recent clampdown on drivers swearing came directly from President ben Sulayem, despite the drivers’ collective frustration with what they perceive as a waste of time and resources.
His view that the drivers need to be penalised for swearing, that is his view and what has happened since reflects that.
– Tim Mayer
The drivers, represented by the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, have expressed their loss of confidence in the FIA and ben Sulayem, citing a lack of response to their concerns and requests for transparency regarding the use of fine money.
Conflict of Interest and Hurt Feelings
Mayer believes his dismissal stems from “hurt feelings” on the part of President ben Sulayem, following a dispute over a fine issued for a track invasion by fans at the US Grand Prix. Mayer, who also serves as the sporting organizer of the US GP, oversaw a review of the decision, which he claims led to his removal from the FIA stewarding panel due to an alleged conflict of interest – an accusation he vehemently denies.
In spite of the matter being resolved quietly and amicably, he’s [Ben Sulayem] still upset and decided to fire me. After 15 years of volunteering, my time as a steward, a decade teaching other stewards and hundreds of hours volunteering in other roles, I got a text from one of his assistants.
– Tim Mayer
An Organization in Crisis
The FIA’s troubles extend beyond the Formula 1 paddock, with a series of controversies and management issues plaguing the organization since ben Sulayem took the helm in December 2021. The high turnover of senior officials has left many questioning the president’s leadership and the future direction of the FIA.
- Chief Executive Natalie Robyn departed after just 18 months
- Sporting Director Steve Nielsen and Technical Director Tim Goss also left their roles
- Head of the FIA Commission for Women, Deborah Mayer, stepped down
As the FIA grapples with the fallout from Mayer’s revelations and the ongoing staffing crisis, the organization faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of drivers, teams, and fans alike. The future of Formula 1’s governing body hangs in the balance, with many calling for increased transparency, accountability, and a return to the principles of independence and fairness that have long underpinned the sport.
The FIA has yet to publicly comment on Mayer’s allegations or the broader issues facing the organization. As the Formula 1 season continues, all eyes will be on President ben Sulayem and his team to see how they navigate this latest crisis and rebuild trust within the racing community. The fate of the FIA, and perhaps the very future of Formula 1 itself, may well depend on their ability to rise to the challenge and restore confidence in the sport’s governance.
