FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem sacks leading Formula One steward Tim Mayer
- Tim Mayer, a respected steward with 15 years' experience, was dismissed by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
- His departure follows the recent sacking of race director Niels Wittich, contributing to a troubling trend of officials leaving the FIA.
- These staffing changes raise questions about the stability and governance of officiating within Formula One.
In a significant shake-up within the officiating ranks of Formula One, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has dismissed Tim Mayer, regarded as one of the most distinguished stewards in the sport's history. Mayer's removal comes just two weeks after race director Niels Wittich was also let go, raising serious concerns regarding stability within the governing body as the season nears its conclusion. Mayer, who is 58 years old and notably the son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer, has dedicated 15 years to serving as an unpaid steward, ultimately rising to the prestigious position of chairman alongside veteran Australian official Garry Connelly. Mayer officiated his last race in Austin, Texas, last month, where he faced a delicate situation involving fan misconduct after the race. Following the event, Mayer recused himself while the Austin race organizers dealt with post-race penalties due to track invasions, an incident that reportedly drew sharp criticism and unrest from the FIA leadership, particularly Ben Sulayem. The fallout from this event arguably contributed to Mayer's eventual dismissal. The context of these abrupt staff changes reflects a broader pattern within the FIA, marked by an ongoing exodus of officials over recent years, culminating in two high-profile dismissals that have left the integrity and reliability of the stewarding process in question. This instability raises concerns about ensuring uniform officiating standards and maintaining the legitimacy of race outcomes at a critical juncture in the Formula One calendar, with only a handful of races remaining this season. Mayer's sacking signals a growing pressure for change within the FIA, hinting at a potential shift in how officiating is approached, especially with the newly emerging demands from stakeholders, sponsors, and fans in a rapidly evolving motorsport landscape. The changes have opened discussions around the future direction of governance in Formula One, prompting inquiry into how these decisions will affect the sport's relationship with its various constituencies going forward.