By News18
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem brushed off accusations of a toxic work culture within motorsport鈥檚 governing body, describing the notion of a 鈥渞eign of terror鈥 as laughable.
Ben Sulayem is seeking re-election for a second term after initially being voted into office in 2021. So far, his only declared challenger is American motorsport official Tim Mayer, who announced his candidacy on Friday during a press conference ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Mayer Slams Leadership, Cites 鈥楻eign of Terror鈥
Mayer, 59, a longtime FIA figure and son of former McLaren team boss Teddy Mayer, criticized the current administration, citing a lack of leadership and a harmful internal culture.
鈥淭hose people work very hard. They deserve leadership that provides them with tools, with a vision, with resources鈥攁nd more than anything else, does not have a reign of terror every time they walk into the office,鈥 Mayer said.
Ben Sulayem Calls Accusation 鈥楧isconnected from Reality鈥
Ben Sulayem rejected the accusation outright in comments to Reuters, saying he found the claim absurd.
鈥淚 just laughed. I actually had a smile. I said whoever is saying this, they are disconnected with the FIA. Honestly,鈥 he said.
鈥淵ou go to the FIA and just enter and see. Sit with them, tell them it鈥檚 just between you and them, and ask them the question. I think maybe he鈥檚 confusing the period,鈥 he added.
Ben Sulayem鈥檚 presidency has seen a series of high-profile resignations, most notably that of Robert Reid, the former Deputy President for Sport, who stepped down in April.
Critics have also pointed to controversial changes to FIA statutes under Ben Sulayem, claiming they make it more difficult for potential rivals to mount effective campaigns against him.
Despite the turbulence, Ben Sulayem stood by his leadership style and the changes he had introduced.
With the election just months away, the Emirati also said he is fully prepared for the campaign and emphasized that the process will be conducted according to strict guidelines.
鈥淲e have such clear guidelines that now you cannot fiddle around with anything, and that will never happen鈥攏ot in my reign.鈥
(with Reuters inputs)