Ben Sulayem: Motorsport would not exist without our FIA Officials

The programme is a key component of the FIA’s Stewards and Race Director Pathway, preparing the next generation of officials for roles in World Championship events, Formula 1 the most high-profile series on the governing body's diverse plate.

Held during the FIA Officials Summit in Madrid, the latest cycle welcomes 12 new participants—six Stewards and six Race Directors—selected through a rigorous competency-based process. With an average age under 40, an equal gender split, and representatives from 11 countries across five continents, the initiative underscores the FIA’s commitment to accessibility and diversity in motorsport officiating.

The programme focuses on equipping officials with the skills, mindset, and on-event experience required for high-pressure environments. Training is tailored to individual needs, with a ‘Top Gun’ style finishing school approach designed to produce world-class officials.

Tuta Mionki, a graduate of last year’s FIA High-Performance Programme and a Kenyan motorsport professional, highlighted the impact of the initiative: “It’s a fantastic initiative. The stewards I’ve worked with are very open and encouraging. These experiences are invaluable. I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’d like to thank the FIA President and everyone else behind this programme.”

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasised the importance of supporting and developing race officials, stating: “Motorsport would not exist without our Officials. The commitment and dedication that our Stewards and Race Directors bring to every event is commendable, and I am proud that the FIA can deliver such a high standard of training and development.

“The FIA is a knowledge-led federation, and it is our responsibility to ensure this knowledge is shared. Through programmes like this, we can identify, support, and grow top talent from across the world, providing greater accessibility and championing diversity. My thanks to all involved with the programme, and I look forward to seeing this year’s participants flourish," added the President.

The second cycle of the High-Performance Programme was launched at the FIA Officials Summit at Circuito de Madrid Jarama – RACE. The event, the largest of its kind since 2020, welcomed over 200 officials from across FIA championships, offering networking opportunities, educational sessions, and discussions on officiating best practices.

The FIA remains committed to nurturing officiating talent, supporting volunteers, and ensuring motorsport is conducted safely and fairly. With over 300,000 unpaid officials, marshals, and volunteers overseeing more than 60,700 motorsport events annually, initiatives such as the High-Performance Programme play a crucial role in strengthening the future of race officiating.