The announcement comes following last weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix. According to reports, the FIA has fired a prominent Formula One steward.
The Daily Mail claimed Thursday morning that Tim Mayer, the son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer, had been fired by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Mayer is a highly respected figure in F1 and motorsports in general, having spent 15 years as an unpaid steward until becoming chairman alongside Australian official Garry Connelly. According to the Daily Mail’s F1 journalist Jonathan McEvoy, Mayer was fired following the United States Grand Prix.
He commented on social media: “Exclusive: Tim Mayer, one of the best stewards in world motor racing, has
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, dismissed me.” “Was fired following the US Grand Prix. He works for the promoters there. The organisers were summoned before the stewards for allowing fans onto the track. Mayer recused himself. As I understand it, the US side made comments that MBS took objection to.”
According to the report, US promoters’ comments during the Austin race offended Ben Sulayem. Mayer’s departure marks the second high-profile departure from the FIA, following Niels Wittich’s departure ahead to last weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.
According to BBC F1 broadcaster Jennie Gow, the FIA issued a statement that read: “The FIA can announce that Niels Wittich has stepped down from his post as F1 Race
Director will pursue new possibilities. Niels has handled his many tasks as Race Director with expertise and diligence. We appreciate his dedication and wish him the best for the future.”Rui Marques will take on the post of Race Director beginning with the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Rui provides extensive expertise, having previously worked as a track marshal, scrutineer, national and international steward, Deputy Race Director, and Race Director in numerous competitions. He most recently served as the Race Director for Formula 2 and Formula 3.
According to Sky Sports writer Craig Slater, several sources have stated that Wittich was terminated rather than resigning.
He told Sky Sports: “The official declaration of this from the The FIA says he has stepped down; other sources tell me he has been fired and removed from his position.”
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