The upcoming leadership election for the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) will proceed without opposition after the sole remaining challenger withdrew, citing election rules that effectively prevent any candidate from running against the incumbent.
Tim Mayer, a former senior official with the motorsport governing body, announced he could no longer pursue his candidacy, stating that the requirement for presidential nominees to secure six vice-presidential candidates—one from each global region represented on the World Motor Sport Council—created an insurmountable barrier.
“The outcome is predetermined,” Mayer stated. “When elections are decided before voting occurs, it creates the appearance of democracy rather than its substance. Member organizations are left as observers rather than active participants in the process.”
Mayer highlighted particular concerns about regions where only one or two individuals are eligible to serve as vice-presidential candidates, noting these representatives have existing affiliations with the current leadership. He also questioned why the number of eligible World Motor Sport Council members has decreased significantly in recent years.
“Did member organizations suddenly lose interest in shaping the sport’s future?” Mayer asked. “Or were other factors at play? Many have expressed to me that they feel unable to speak openly without risking their standing within the organization.”
The former official referenced an independent governance assessment that described the FIA’s power structure as heavily concentrated in the presidency, with limited accountability mechanisms. The report warned that without independent oversight, transparent decision-making, and competitive elections, the organization remains structurally predisposed to centralized control.
Mayer suggested these governance concerns extend beyond internal politics, potentially affecting Formula One’s commercial stakeholders. “Companies throughout the F1 community operate under strict governance standards themselves,” he noted. “They recognize that a foundation built on undemocratic processes is inherently unstable.”
The current FIA administration has faced previous criticism from drivers and experienced several high-profile departures among senior staff. One former deputy president cited deteriorating governance standards when resigning earlier this year.
In response to the criticism, the FIA maintained that its election process follows established statutes and regulations designed to ensure fairness. The organization noted that the regional representation requirements for vice-presidential candidates are consistent with previous election cycles.
The governing body’s presidential election will proceed next month with only the incumbent candidate on the ballot.
