In the vast and fascinating world of motorsport, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, better known as the FIA, plays a crucial and multifunctional role. Founded in 1904, the FIA is the international governing body that oversees numerous motorsports disciplines, from the prestigious Formula 1 Rally, through the World Endurance Championship and Formula E. But what exactly are the functions of the FIA in the motor racing landscape?

History and Origins of the FIA

To fully understand the importance of the FIA, it is useful to take a step back in history. The FIA was formally established on June 20, 1904, as the Association Internationale des Automobile Clubs Reconnus (AIACR), with the aim of representing the interests of motorists and overseeing international motor racing. In 1946, the AIACR was reorganized and renamed the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), assuming the form and functions we know today.

Technical and Sporting Regulations

One of the main responsibilities of the FIA is the establishment and enforcement of technical and sporting regulations in motor racing. This includes determining the technical specifications of cars, such as size, weight, engines and aerodynamics, ensuring that all teams compete on an equal basis. For example, in Formula 1, the FIA sets detailed regulations on components such as the energy recovery system and aerodynamics of single-seaters. In addition to the technical aspects, the FIA sets the sporting rules governing the conduct of races. This includes the management of race formats, qualifying procedures, the awarding of points and the application of penalties for infringements. For example, the FIA sets procedures for starts, rules for pit stops and penalties for misbehavior on the track.

Security: A FIA’s Fundamental Priority

Safety is at the heart of the FIA’s mission. After tragic accidents such as those that occurred during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, which led to the deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger, the FIA established the Safety Advisory Committee to improve safety in motorsport. This has led to significant advances, such as the introduction of the Head and Neck Support ( HANS ) device and the implementation of the Halo, a protection structure for drivers’ heads. In addition, the FIA conducts rigorous crash tests on cars and sets standards for drivers’ protective clothing, such as helmets and fireproof suits. These efforts have greatly reduced the number of serious accidents and improved overall safety in racing.

Promoting Sustainability and Innovation

In recent years, the FIA has taken a leading role in promoting environmental sustainability in motorsport. Through initiatives such as Formula E, the world championship for electric cars, the FIA aims to promote clean and sustainable technologies. This not only reflects an environmental responsibility, but also serves as a testbed for innovations that can be transferred to production cars. In addition, the FIA has introduced regulations to limit CO2 emissions emissions and promote the use of sustainable fuels in racing. These measures aim to reduce the environmental impact of racing and encourage the development of environmentally friendly technologies.

License Management and Competition Supervision.

The FIA is responsible forissuing licenses for drivers, teams and circuits, ensuring that all participants meet the standards required to compete internationally. This process ensures that only qualified individuals and organizations can participate in competitions, maintaining high standards of professionalism and safety. In addition, the FIA oversees the organization of competitions, working with local and national organizers to ensure that events are held in accordance with international regulations. This includes homologating circuits, supervising race procedures, and ensuring that safety measures are adequate.

Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

In the world of racing, disputes are inevitable. The FIA acts as an impartial arbiter, handling protests, investigating incidents and applying sanctions when necessary. This ensures that competitions are fair and that all parties involved abide by the established rules. For example, in cases of on-track incidents or alleged violations of regulations, the FIA conducts thorough investigations and, if necessary, imposes penalties that can range from fines to disqualifications. This system of arbitration is critical to maintaining the integrity of the sport.

Regulatory Accidents and Penalties the most famous controversies and recent ones

In recent times, the relationship between the FIA and Formula 1 drivers has been characterized by tensions and disputes over various regulatory and disciplinary issues. Here are some significant examples:

1. Penalties for Inappropriate Language

In 2024, the FIA introduced new rules to crack down on drivers’ use of offensive language. This led to significant fines for prominent drivers:

• Max Verstappen: Fined €40,000 for using foul language during a press conference.
• Charles Leclerc: Sanctioned with €10,000 for a similar expression.

These sanctions drew strong reactions from drivers, who expressed their displeasure through the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), demanding to be treated as adults and criticizing the approach of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

2. Tightening of the International Sports Code

In January 2025, the FIA announced a further tightening of disciplinary rules, introducing harsher penalties for behavior deemed inappropriate, such as the use of swearing or offensive gestures. The new penalties include:

• First offense: Fines of €40,000.
• Second offense: Fines of €80,000 and one-month suspension.
• Third offense: Fines of €120,000, an additional month’s suspension and deduction of points from the championship.

These measures have intensified tensions between the FIA and the drivers, with some accusing Ben Sulayem of behaving authoritatively.

3. Internal Criticism of the FIA

Tensions are not limited to the drivers. Tim Mayer, a former FIA race commissioner with 15 years of experience, was fired in 2024 and publicly criticized Ben Sulayem, accusing him of interfering with the commissioners’ independence and causing high staff turnover within the organization.

4. Team Protests on Technical Components

In 2024, Red Bull and Ferrari raised concerns about McLaren’s “Flexi-Wing” design, claiming it could violate FIA regulations. Although the FIA initially found no irregularities, McLaren decided to change the design to avoid further controversy.

Dialogue and Collaboration for the Future

The relationship between the FIA and Formula 1 drivers is not always adversarial. There is also significant collaborative work to improve the sport, ranging from safety to sustainability. However, these incidents highlight how tension can emerge in such a competitive and highly regulated environment, underscoring the importance of ongoing dialogue to adapt and refine the rules in response to the demands of modern motorsport. The relationship between The FIA and the players in F1 is complex, and decisions made by the regulatory body directly influence the course and character of racing, emphasizing the responsibility the FIA holds in shaping the future of motorsport. The FIA therefore plays an essential role in ensuring that motorsport functions in a safe, fair and sustainable manner.
Through technical and sporting regulation, the promotion of safety, sustainable innovation and competition management, the FIA ensures that motorsport continues to thrive, providing entertainment for fans and contributing to the technological development of the motorsport industry.