Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, met with Ilham Aliyev, president of Azerbaijan, in Baku to commemorate a decade of Formula 1 racing in the country and address shared priorities in motorsport and mobility.
The meeting occurred during the F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, marking ten years of racing on Baku’s iconic streets. This provided a platform to discuss Azerbaijan’s established role in global motorsport and opportunities to deepen cooperation between the nation and the FIA.
Ben Sulayem stated, “It was a pleasure to meet with President Ilham Aliyev and discuss our shared ambitions for the continued development of motorsport and mobility in Azerbaijan. The success of Formula One in Baku demonstrates what can be achieved through long-term commitment, strong organization, and a clear vision for the role major sporting events play in uniting people and showcasing a country to the world. I congratulate them on a remarkable decade of racing and look forward to many more.”
Azerbaijan has become a significant destination on the international sporting calendar, with Baku offering one of Formula 1’s most distinctive city-center venues and attracting global fans and visitors.
The leaders also addressed the broader role of mobility in driving economic growth and connectivity, emphasizing the importance of road safety and sustainable transport as Azerbaijan continues to invest in infrastructure and international connectivity.
Ben Sulayem added, “Our discussions extended beyond motorsport. As the global federation for mobility organizations, the FIA is committed to collaborating with governments and member clubs, such as the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation, to make mobility safer, more accessible, and more sustainable. I look forward to continuing this partnership in Azerbaijan across these critical areas.”
The FIA continues to prioritize growing motorsport participation and strengthening the pathway from grassroots competition to the sport’s highest levels, leveraging its global mobility network to advance road safety, sustainable mobility, and accessibility.
Azerbaijan’s strategic position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, coupled with ongoing investment in transport and infrastructure, presents further opportunities for collaboration across the FIA’s core pillars.