Tim Mayer
Tim Mayer is an American motorsport executive, known as a former FIA steward in Formula 1 and as director of US Race Management. In 2025, he is running for the FIA presidency with a reform-driven campaign focused on transparency, democratization, and support for the wider motorsport community.
Background and early motorsport career
Tim Mayer was born in February 1966, the son of McLaren founder Teddy Mayer. He studied management, served in the US Army, and entered the motorsport world in the early 1990s. Together with Emerson Fittipaldi, he founded G3 Communications, a company specializing in race broadcasting and logistics. He later held senior positions at CART and IndyCar and served as COO of IMSA and the American Le Mans Series.
Fifteen years as an FIA steward
From 2009 until the end of 2024, Mayer was a regular presence within the FIA as an international steward in Formula 1, the WEC, and other world championships. He frequently led the stewarding team during Grands Prix and helped train new stewards. Alongside this, he headed US Race Management, responsible for organizing major FIA events in the United States, including the Miami Grand Prix, the 6 Hours of Austin, and Formula E races in New York.
Conflict with Ben Sulayem and dismissal
In November 2024, Mayer was dismissed by text message from his role as F1 steward, officially over a conflict of interest. He allegedly contested a fine on behalf of the US Grand Prix promoter. Mayer denies this, claiming instead that his dismissal was a personal reprisal by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. According to Mayer, the current FIA leadership has created a culture of fear, causing experienced officials to leave en masse, which he says threatens the stability of the sport.
Candidate for FIA president
On July 4, 2025, Mayer announced his candidacy for the FIA presidency. The election is scheduled for December 12, 2025. Running under the banner of FIA Forward, he is campaigning with a clear reform agenda, focused on greater democracy and open decision-making within the FIA. He also wants the FIA president to hold less concentrated power and be more accountable. Mayer stresses that the FIA should serve its members, not the other way around.
Support from the F1 paddock
Mayer’s campaign has gained broad support within the paddock. The GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers’ Association) has spoken positively about a contested election. Drivers such as George Russell have openly called for more transparency in FIA governance and view Mayer as a serious challenger.