FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem Highlights Vital Role of Volunteers in Formula One

Sports & Championship

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem Highlights Vital Role of Volunteers in Formula One

Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has underscored the critical importance of volunteers in global motorsport, stating that “without volunteers, we simply could not go racing,” following the release of a landmark FIA study.

The research, conducted by the FIA’s academic arm, reveals that more than 20,000 trained volunteers are required to support each season of the Formula One World Championship. Across the 24-race calendar, an average of 838 volunteers per race weekend ensures the smooth operation of events.

This equates to approximately 42 volunteers for every driver, making it one of the highest volunteer-to-competitor ratios in global sport. Each volunteer contributes an estimated 48 hours per race weekend, totaling nearly 965,000 hours of service across the full season.

Ben Sulayem described volunteers as the “backbone of the sport”, highlighting their role in maintaining safety, fairness, and operational excellence. From flag marshals and incident officers to extrication teams, volunteers are essential to the successful execution of every race.

The study also revealed the depth of commitment among volunteers, with around 65% taking annual leave or unpaid time off to participate in events. Retention levels remain strong, with two-thirds of volunteers serving for more than five years, reflecting a positive and dedicated community within the sport.

Financially, the FIA and its member clubs invest over €11 million annually in training and development programmes. The total estimated replacement value of volunteer labour stands at €13.2 million per year, highlighting their significant economic contribution.

As Formula One continues to expand globally, volunteer workloads have increased by 20%, reinforcing the need for continued investment and support. In response, the FIA is proposing the creation of a Centre of Excellence, aimed at enhancing recruitment, training, and overall volunteer experience.

Additionally, plans for an expanded FIA Officials Department and the introduction of a new volunteer charter are expected to establish clear standards for supporting and recognizing volunteers during race events.

The findings mark the first comprehensive study of its kind by the FIA, offering valuable insights into the scale, impact, and future development of volunteer participation in motorsport.

The report reinforces the indispensable role volunteers play in sustaining the success of Formula One, ensuring that the sport continues to deliver world-class racing experiences across the globe.