'Collaboration Over Clothing': Motorsport Executive Aspirant Aims for Cultural Shift

FIA Presidential Election and Cultural Change

• Tim Mayer's Vision: Tim Mayer, the sole candidate for the FIA presidency, emphasizes a cultural shift in motorsport, advocating for collaboration among officials, drivers, and teams rather than power struggles. He aims to serve the community rather than control it, as highlighted in his interview during the Dutch Grand Prix.

• Critique of Current Leadership: Mayer criticizes the current FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, for engaging in public disputes and focusing on trivial matters, such as driver attire regulations. He believes that fans are more interested in the sport than in controversies over driver safety gear.

Mayer's Background and Approach

• Experience in Motorsport: With 35 years in motorsport administration and a family legacy in racing, Mayer plans to adopt a more behind-the-scenes approach if elected. He stresses that drivers are the stars of the sport and should be treated as partners rather than children.

• Conflict with Ben Sulayem: Mayer's candidacy follows a public fallout with Ben Sulayem, who dismissed him from his steward role via text. Despite this, Mayer claims his campaign is not fueled by personal grievances but by a desire to improve the FIA.

Focus on Diversity and Grassroots Motorsport

• Promoting Inclusivity: Mayer aims to enhance grassroots motorsport and increase diversity within the sport. He highlights the need to engage women and minorities, not just symbolically but through structural changes in the industry.

• Potential for African Grand Prix: After a recent tour of Africa, Mayer expresses interest in hosting a Grand Prix on the continent, recognizing the potential audience of 1.4 billion people currently disconnected from open-wheel racing.

Election Outlook and Future Goals

• Confidence in Election: Mayer is optimistic about winning the upcoming election in December but acknowledges the challenges posed by a voting system favoring the incumbent.

• Listening to Member Clubs: He emphasizes the importance of listening to the concerns of member clubs and aims to foster a decade of celebration in motorsport mobility, focusing on collaboration and community engagement.