FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem SACKS top F1 steward in latest huge exit

Formula 1 have seen another leading figure depart with Tim Mayer, one of the top stewards, leaving as FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem continues to preside over some major exits

By: irishmirror.ie

Nov 28 2024
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FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has sacked Tim Mayer - one of Formula 1's top stewards.

Son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer, he was one of the most respected figures in the sport but had not been called up to lead as chairman of the stewards since the Mexico Grand Prix last month. The 58-year-old also worked for the organisers of the race in the US in Austin the previous week.

They were called upon to answer charges of fans invading the track post-race and the Daily Mail reports that comments were made by the US promoters upset Ben Sulayem.

Mayer’s departure comes a fortnight after race director Niels Wittich was axed, three races from the end of the season, a decision that has greatly angered the drivers who have called out the FIA chief.

Mercedes' George Russell says the drivers are "a bit fed up" with the leadership of the sport's governing body. He made it clear he was referring specifically to the leadership of the Ben Sulayem.

Wittich made his exit with immediate effect just a matter of races before the end of the season. Speaking to German-language Motorsport Magazin, Wittich made it clear: "I have not resigned" which has led to suggestions he was sacked.

Russell claimed that the FIA president had not even responded to the drivers - either on the letter, or to explain the decision to sack race director Wittich.

The departure of Niels Wittich as F1 race director had already angered the drivers (Image: Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Paolo Basarri also left his position as the compliance officer of the FIA. Sources told the BBC that the Italian had been fired as a consequence of FIA president losing confidence in him. Basarri is thought to have pushed back against or tried to navigate around several requests put forward Ben Sulayem, who took exception to that approach.

Russell added recently: "Sometimes just hiring and firing is not the solution. Let's see what this new era brings, but every time you make a change you have to make one step back before you take two steps forward."

Referencing the open letter, Russell's Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton said: "It's just to show that, more than ever, the drivers are united, which is perhaps something you have not always seen in the past. There are some things that need addressing. The FIA need to be better at working and collaborating with us."