French president congratulates Ben Sulayem on re-election as FIA president

Government

French president congratulates Ben Sulayem on re-election as FIA president

French President Emmanuel Macron has formally congratulated Mohammed Ben Sulayem on his re-election as President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), reaffirming France’s commitment to strengthening its historic partnership with the global governing body for motorsport and mobility.

In an official letter addressed to FIA President Ben Sulayem, President Macron extended his congratulations following the FIA presidential vote held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 12 December, and underscored his determination to continue deepening cooperation between France and the FIA.

“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on your re-election as President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA),” President Macron wrote. “Further to our recent meeting at the Élysée Palace, please be assured of my determination to continue strengthening the historic partnership between France and the FIA. Wishing you every success in this new term of office.”

Strengthening historic ties between France and the FIA

The November meeting at the Élysée Palace highlighted shared priorities between France and the FIA, including motorsport development, road safety, sustainable mobility, and the protection of young people online. With the FIA’s global headquarters based in Paris, France holds a unique and enduring position in the Federation’s heritage.

During the discussions, the FIA reaffirmed its renewed commitment to France as one of its key centres of excellence, reflecting the country’s long-standing contribution to the evolution of global motorsport and mobility.

France’s pivotal role in global motorsport

Both leaders acknowledged France’s historic and ongoing influence in motorsport, from landmark events such as the Paris–Rouen Trial of 1894 to the world-renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans, which continues to attract thousands of spectators annually, support more than 1,000 full-time jobs, and contribute over €162 million to the French economy.

President Macron and President Ben Sulayem also discussed France’s representation in the FIA Formula 1 Championship, the presence of French talent across FIA World Championships, and the contributions of French manufacturers and promoters in shaping international motorsport. The facilitation of visas for global FIA delegates attending meetings in Paris was also addressed.

The meeting was attended by Yann de Pontbriand, President of the Automobile Club de France (ACF) and President of the FIA Founding Members Clubs, as well as Pierre Gosselin, President of the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA). Discussions emphasised the central role of national clubs in promoting safe, responsible mobility and motorsport alongside the FIA.

Focus on road safety, sustainability and online protection

The leaders also exchanged views on advancing road safety and sustainable mobility, including initiatives aimed at making transport safer, more affordable, and more environmentally responsible. Among these was the recently launched FIA Driver Safety Index, a first-of-its-kind global benchmark that uses advanced AI technology to measure and compare driver risk.

Protecting young athletes and promoting respectful behaviour online formed another key area of discussion. President Macron and President Ben Sulayem highlighted the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign, which closely aligns with France’s policies on social media safety for children.