FIA presidential candidate Tim Mayer has been challenged on remarks he made on the topic of female inclusion at the launch of his campaign last weekend.
The American, who was fired by the sport’s governing body late last year, announced his intention to run against incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem near Silverstone, ahead of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix.
Mayer, a longstanding and respected FIA steward, was scathing towards Ben Sulayem during the course of his speech, insinuating his presidency has been a “reign of terror”.
A crux of the speech involved an assertion of the organisation carrying ‘illusions’, including that of female inclusion.
“Instead of reform, we’ve seen performance behind the stagecraft,” he said to media, including Motorsport Week. “We’ve been left with the illusion of progress and the illusion of leadership, while the most senior team he appointed has departed.
“The illusion of inclusion, while capable voices, especially women and those from diverse backgrounds, were pushed out when they spoke the truth.
“The illusion of a financial turnaround, when the FIA has merely returned to pre-pandemic norms, but now with less independent oversight.
“The illusion of transparency and engagement, even as decision making grows more centralised and dissent is punished, and perhaps, most corrosive, the illusion of integrity.”
This has been challenged by the FIA’s Women in Motorsport Commission President and former rally driver, Burcu Cetinkaya, who has written to Mayer directly in a letter, seen by Motorsport Week.
Cetinkaya urges Mayer to ‘reconsider remarks’
“I’m writing this note personally, from the heart — not as part of any campaign or political narrative, but as someone who has lived through the very challenges you’re speaking about.” Cetinkaya wrote.
“When we talk about inclusion, especially for women and women of colour, we have a responsibility to honour truth over perception — and experience over assumptions.
“I understand the emotion behind your remarks, but I also believe it’s essential we get the facts right, because saying otherwise risks erasing the very progress we’ve worked so hard for.”
Cetinkaya went on to cite a number of women working within the FIA, who come from a diverse range of nations, who sit in high-ranking positions.
“For the first time in FIA history, two women were appointed Vice Presidents. Fatma Samoura, a globally respected woman of colour and former FIFA Secretary General, was appointed to the FIA Senate.
“Along with Dr. Amina Mohamed from Kenya and myself now 4 women hold a seat on the World Motor Sport Council, highest in FIA history.
The WRC Sporting Director is a woman — leading at the highest levels of our sport. Multiple FIA Commissions, including Volunteers and Officials, Road Sport Committee are now chaired by women — which marks a genuine shift from previous years. And for the first time ever, I serve as the first non-European President of the Women in Motorsport Commission.”
After also revealing that “over half the selected candidates” for the FIA’s High Performance Programme for Stewards are women, Cetinkaya closed her letter by urging Mayer to “reconsider [his] remarks”.
“Tim, I have firsthand experience of being overlooked, underestimated, and at times, entirely unseen in this sport. But I also know what it feels like to finally be given space, trust, and responsibility — and that has happened under this leadership.
“That is why I felt the need to write to you directly. We all want more. And yes, there’s still a long road ahead. But to claim that women — especially women of colour — are being pushed aside in today’s FIA is not only inaccurate, it’s deeply unfair to those of us who are here, working every day to widen the doors that were once closed to us.
“I urge you to reconsider your remarks, not because of politics, but because of principle. We must build on facts, and move forward with respect for those who are paving the way — not in spite of their identity, but with pride in it.”
Mayer ‘stands by’ statemnent
Mayer responded to Cetinkaya, and despite showing solidarity in the empowerment and achievements of women in this regard, he said he would “stand by” the comments made.
“Thank you for your letter highlighting this global concern. I am always open to constructive dialogue, especially when it comes to such incredibly important topics as inclusion,” he began.
“Let me state up front that I celebrate the individual achievements of women of all backgrounds who have struggled to have their voice heard and who’s lived experiences can inform fundamental change.
“But I stand by my statement. No number of appointments can cover up the fact that women in positions of power at the FIA, especially those that interact in senior management roles with the presidential team, have been marginalized or pushed out.
“Victories, large and small, should be celebrated. But until the FIA becomes a place where all voices are heard and respected equally, it is our obligation and my commitment to push for change.”
Motorsport Week understands that Cetinkaya is preparing a further letter to Mayer.
READ MORE – Tim Mayer: FIA presidential bid ‘not about revenge’ against Mohammed Ben Sulayem
Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.