FIA sets aside October to honour the 300,000 volunteers who keep motorsport running
F1 NewsWednesday, 24 June 2026 at 09:16
The FIA has announced that October 2026 will once again be dedicated to recognising the thousands of volunteers and officials who make motorsport possible, with a month-long programme of celebrations, training initiatives and awareness campaigns planned across the world.
Unveiled during the FIA Conference in Macau, the second FIA Volunteers and Officials Month will shine a spotlight on the estimated 300,000 unpaid officials, marshals and volunteers who support more than 60,000 motorsport events annually. The initiative aims not only to celebrate existing volunteers but also to encourage a new generation to join the sport.
From Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship to grassroots karting and club racing, volunteers perform critical roles ranging from flag marshalling and scrutineering to medical support, race control and rescue operations. Without them, motorsport simply could not function.
Ben Sulayem: Volunteers are the lifeblood of motorsport
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the success of last year's inaugural campaign demonstrated the importance of recognising the sport's often-unsung workforce.
He said: "Volunteers and officials are the lifeblood of our sport. Without their dedication, professionalism and passion, we could not go racing or rallying.
"Last year, we launched the first Volunteers and Officials Month and came together across our Federation to host events and recognise the vital role volunteers and officials play across our sport. I am proud that our community will come together to celebrate our volunteers and officials again in October."
The FIA said its network of 149 Member Clubs will organise activities throughout the month, including special events at World Championship rounds, volunteer recognition programmes and initiatives designed to attract newcomers into officiating and event support roles.
Focus on training and development
FIA Secretary General for Sport Valerio Iachizzi highlighted the governing body's efforts to strengthen training pathways for officials at every level of the sport.
He said: "The second edition of FIA Volunteers and Officials Month in October will be another fantastic opportunity to highlight the contribution of those who power our sport from the grassroots to our World Championships."
"Through the FIA Officials Department, we're providing more training and development opportunities to volunteers and officials than ever before and supporting the race makers who enable motor sport in every part of the world."
The initiative builds on the first edition in 2025, which featured awards programmes, behind-the-scenes content and recruitment campaigns aimed at helping clubs find and develop new officials.
Celebrating a lifetime of service
As part of the announcement, the FIA also highlighted the story of Stephen Harding, the 2025 FIA Outstanding Official of the Year.
Harding has spent decades serving motorsport across South Africa and the African continent, holding leadership roles in touring cars, rallying, rallycross, Formula E and rally raid competition. The FIA praised his commitment to mentoring younger officials and helping build the next generation of race organisers.
With volunteer numbers under pressure in many regions and motorsport continuing to expand globally, the FIA hopes October's campaign will both celebrate those already involved and inspire more people to step behind the scenes of the sport.
For Formula 1 fans, the drivers and teams may grab the headlines. But throughout October, the FIA wants the spotlight firmly on the marshals, officials and volunteers whose work keeps every race weekend running safely and fairly.
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