Just In: FIA president responds to 'reign of TERROR' acc...read more

FIA President Dismisses ‘Reign of Terror’ Claims Amid Election Tension.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has addressed recent accusations describing his leadership as a “reign of terror,” a phrase used by former F1 steward Tim Mayer, who has announced his candidacy in the upcoming FIA presidential election.

In an interview with *The Race*, Ben Sulayem, 63, was asked whether he was upset by Mayer’s comments. He responded calmly, downplaying any personal offense:

“Not really. Some people are simply out of touch with the FIA,” he said. “When it comes to elections, we all know that a tongue has no bones — people will say what they need to in order to win votes.”

He emphasized that he doesn’t engage in public attacks or personal criticism, contrasting Mayer’s approach with his own:

“Have you ever read anything where I speak badly about someone? No, because that’s not who I am. I build connections, I listen, and I earn the trust of our members — that’s how I lead.”

Ben Sulayem also challenged the portrayal of the FIA under his leadership and encouraged transparency. He extended an open invitation to journalists to visit the organization’s offices in Geneva and Paris to observe its operations first-hand.

“Come and see for yourself — does this look like a reign of terror? I don’t make decisions alone. We have established governance processes, ethics committees, and collective decision-making.”

He added that the criticism doesn’t personally affect him:

“It really doesn’t bother me. I wish Mayer the best, or whoever comes next.”

Mayer, who was dismissed from the FIA in November 2024, is not the only former official to publicly challenge the internal culture of the motorsport governing body. In recent years, several high-ranking individuals — including ex-CEO Natalie Robyn and former Deputy President for Sport Robert Reid, who stepped down in April 2025 — have raised concerns.

Ben Sulayem has also faced scrutiny from prominent F1 drivers. World champions Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with FIA decision-making and governance, while George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, has echoed similar concerns on behalf of the driver community.

As the FIA edges closer to its presidential election, tensions are clearly rising within the organization. Ben Sulayem’s remarks appear aimed at projecting calm leadership and reinforcing his commitment to transparency, even as criticism continues to mount from both former colleagues and key figures within the sport.