Former Formula 1 race steward Tim Mayer, who was dismissed by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has publicly criticized the governing body’s actions, specifically targeting Ben Sulayem's involvement in the penalty decisions for drivers and his influence over FIA policies. Mayer’s remarks follow a series of controversial rulings, including Max Verstappen’s punishment for using foul language during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix 2024.
Why Was Max Verstappen Punished?
Max Verstappen, the F1 2024 Champion was penalized by the FIA after using inappropriate language during a pre weekend press conference in Singapore. Verstappen was called in by the stewards, who reviewed the audio of the press conference and discussed the matter with Red Bull representatives before issuing their decision.
According to the FIA’s policy, language used in public forums, such as press conferences, must meet "generally accepted standards" to ensure the sport maintains a respectful image for all audiences, including broadcasters. The FIA stressed the importance of maintaining the reputation of World Championship participants, who are seen as role models both on and off the track.
Mayer's Criticism of Ben Sulayem's Influence
Tim Mayer, who was removed from his role as an F1 race steward by Ben Sulayem, has pointed the finger at the FIA president for directly influencing the decision making process regarding driver penalties. Mayer claims that Ben Sulayem "directly involved himself in making his views known" within the FIA organization.
However, Mayer asserts that the president did not communicate his opinions directly to the stewards but rather through his staff. According to Mayer, the controversial decision to penalize drivers for swearing came from Ben Sulayem himself.
Mayer elaborated on the FIA’s decision to impose penalties for swearing, stating, "His [Ben Sulayem’s] view that the drivers need to be penalized for swearing – that is his view, and what has happened since reflects that." Mayer added that the issue raised concerns about the FIA’s enforcement of bad language, noting that drivers are often speaking in a second or third language, and swearing is a common part of their communication.
Criticism of FIA's Approach to Mild Swearing
Mayer also questioned the FIA's stance on penalizing drivers for relatively mild swearing. He explained, "Most drivers, English is their second, third or fourth language, and every gokart kid in the world, it’s the first word[s] they are taught in English." He further suggested that there are better ways to address such situations rather than penalizing drivers for minor swearing, unless the intention is to "flex your muscles."
The former steward added that it was part of the job of race stewards to enforce FIA policies on the rules, but he questioned whether chasing after minor infractions like swearing was the best course of action.
FIA's Penalties for Drivers Swearing
Along with Verstappen’s community service punishment for swearing at the Singapore GP, another notable penalty was handed out to Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. Leclerc was fined €10,000, half of which was suspended, after using inappropriate language during the Mexican Grand Prix.
Alleged Intervention by Ben Sulayem in 2023 Saudi Arabian GP Penalty
Mayer's criticism of Ben Sulayem's leadership comes amid an internal investigation into the FIA president’s actions surrounding the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. A whistleblower had claimed that Ben Sulayem intervened to overturn a postrace penalty issued to Fernando Alonso, who had received a 10second penalty for having work done on his car while serving a separate five second penalty.
The controversy deepened when it was alleged that Ben Sulayem personally contacted Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the FIA's vice president for sport in the Middle East and North Africa, to advocate for the penalty to be dropped. This alleged interference has raised further questions about Ben Sulayem's influence over the sport’s decision making processes.
Tim Mayer’s accusations against FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem have added to ongoing concerns about transparency and fairness in Formula 1 officiating.
