Top F1 steward 'SACKED' by FIA after comments that 'upset' president Mohammed Ben Sulayem

A top Formula 1 steward has reportedly been sacked by the sport's governing body, the FIA.

On Thursday morning, it was reported by the Daily Mail that Tim Mayer, who is the son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer, has been sacked by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Mayer is one of the most respected people in F1 and motorsports in general, having spent 15 years working as an unpaid steward before becoming a chairman alongside Australian official Garry Connelly.

As reported by Daily Mail's F1 correspondent Jonathan McEvoy, Mayer was sacked after the United States Grand Prix.

He wrote on social media: "Exclusive: Tim Mayer, one of the top stewards in world motor racing, has been sacked by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem."

"Was sacked after the US Grand Prix. He works for the promoters there. The organisers were called before the stewards for fans getting on to the track. Mayer recused himself. As I understand it, comments were made by the US side to which MBS took exception."

The report stated that comments made by US promoters after the Austin race had upset Ben Sulayem.

SPORTbible has contacted the FIA for comment.

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Mayer's exit is the second high-profile departure in the FIA after Niels Wittich left the organisation prior to last weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix.

As reported by BBC F1 presenter Jennie Gow, a statement from the FIA read: "The FIA can confirm that Niels Wittich has stepped down from his position as F1 Race Director to pursue new opportunities. Niels has fulfilled his numerous responsibilities as Race Director with professionalism and dedication. We thank him for his commitment and we wish him the best for the future.

"Rui Marques will assume the role of Race Director from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Rui brings a wealth of experience having previously served as track marshal, scrutineer, national and international steward, Deputy Race Director and Race Director in various championships. Most recently, he held the position of Formula 2 and Formula 3 Race Director."

However, as reported by The Mirror, Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater said some sources have indicated that Wittich did not resign, but was reportedly sacked.

He said on Sky Sports: "The official announcement of this from the FIA says that he has stepped down - multiple sources have told me that he has been sacked, that he has been removed from his position."