FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has commended the volunteers and officials across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, highlighting their essential contributions to establishing the region as a premier global hub for international motorsport.
Speaking in observance of the 2026 FIA Volunteers and Officials Month in October, Ben Sulayem noted the exceptional performance of those representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the FIA Formula One World Championship and the Dakar Rally.
“Volunteers and officials are the lifeblood of our sport. Without their dedication, professionalism, and passion, racing and rallying simply could not exist,” Ben Sulayem stated. “Following the launch of the inaugural Volunteers and Officials Month last year, I am delighted that our federation has reunited for a second year to recognize the vital role these individuals play.”
From flag marshals and scrutineers to race directors and emergency medical crews, these professionals ensure that the extensive FIA calendar—spanning Formula One, rallying, hill climbing, and drifting—is executed safely and efficiently.
“I am proud to acknowledge that the volunteers and officials in the Middle East, who dedicate immense time and effort to the sport, are among the finest in the world,” he added. “Our regional Member Clubs work tirelessly to maintain the highest behind-the-scenes standards. This is clearly evidenced by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation’s commitment to the efficiency and dedication displayed at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the Dakar Rally.”
A comprehensive study conducted earlier this year by the FIA University, the federation’s academic arm, underscored the massive scale of volunteer support required for the FIA Formula One World Championship. The research indicates that at least 20,112 trained volunteers are needed to staff all 24 rounds of the season.
With an average of 838 volunteers per race weekend, the sport maintains a ratio of 42 volunteers for every driver on track—the highest volunteer-to-competitor ratio of any global sport. With each individual contributing roughly 48 hours per event, the total seasonal contribution reaches 965,376 hours.
The report further emphasized the depth of this commitment, revealing that 65 percent of volunteers utilize annual leave or unpaid time off to serve at these events.