Ben Sulayem: FIA breathing new life into our championships

In his opening address, Ben Sulayem set out the FIA's priorities for the year, building on the foundation laid in 2024. He emphasised accessibility, regulatory clarity, and the continued development of motorsport at all levels.

Ben Sulayem said: “In 2024, we celebrated 120 years of FIA achievements. In 2025, we'll keep moving forward, taking it to the next level, driving innovation, expanding our expertise, and uniting to deliver safer, more thrilling, and sustainable motorsport.

"In my manifesto, I promised strong regulations and a respected FIA, and we are well on our way to delivering that. We are breathing new life into our championships through innovations, partnerships and new agreements," revealed the President.

Ben Sulayem highlighted the FIA's investment in the future of its seven World Championships, particularly through training and support for officials. He referenced the recent FIA Officials Summit, the first such event since 2020, which hosted over 230 attendees: "Motorsport thrives thanks to dedicated volunteers and officials.

"Earlier this month, we welcomed over 230 attendees to the first FIA Officials Summit since 2020, with the summit marking the first large-scale educational event delivered by the new Officials department. We are ready for the 2025 season—a season of safe, fair, and well-regulated competition.”

The FIA also reaffirmed its commitment to sportsmanship and respect in motorsport. World Council members backed efforts to enforce the FIA’s code of conduct, which includes expectations around language and behaviour for competitors, in line with policies adopted by other international sporting bodies.

Ben Sulayem added: “As regulators and guardians of the very essence of motorsport, we must speak out against all forms of harassment of athletes and take firm action against it. At all levels, our sport is underpinned by respect, and I urge the sporting community to consider the impact of their actions both online and offline.”

The FIA’s United Against Online Abuse campaign continues to push for the elimination of online harassment in sport, bringing together sports federations, governments, and internet platforms to combat harmful behaviour targeting athletes.

One of the key decisions made at the meeting was the approval of a mandatory two-stop strategy for the Monaco Grand Prix. The rule applies in both wet and dry conditions and aims to improve the spectacle of the race.

The decision marks a significant change to one of the sport’s most processional circuits, as Formula 1's governing body, the FIA looks to enhance the competitive dynamic of the Monaco Grand Prix.