In motorsport, split-second decisions define races, and the next wave of FIA officials is being trained to make those calls at the highest level.
At the FIA Officials Summit in Madrid, the governing body unveiled the second cycle of its High-Performance Programme, an elite initiative designed to prepare stewards and race directors for roles in Formula 1 and other World Championship events.
With a rigorous selection process, a ‘Top Gun’-style finishing school, and a commitment to diversity, this program isn’t just about training officials—it’s about shaping the future of race officiating on a global scale.
FIA’s Vision: Building World-Class Officials for Formula 1 and Beyond
For the 12 new participants—six Stewards and six Race Directors—this program represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
✅ Global Representation: 11 countries, 5 continents.
✅ Diversity Focus: A 50/50 gender split, reinforcing the FIA’s inclusivity efforts.
✅ Young Blood: The average age is under 40, ensuring fresh perspectives in officiating.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the importance of developing elite race officials, saying:
🗣️ “Motorsport would not exist without our Officials. The commitment and dedication that our Stewards and Race Directors bring to every event is commendable, and I am proud that the FIA can deliver such a high standard of training and development.”
With over 300,000 unpaid officials, marshals, and volunteers overseeing 60,700+ motorsport events annually, the FIA’s investment in talent development is crucial to the sport’s integrity and future.
A ‘Top Gun’-Style Training Ground for Future Race Directors and Stewards
This isn’t just any training program—it’s a high-intensity, real-world simulation designed to mimic the pressures of officiating top-tier motorsport events.
🚥 Custom-Tailored Training: Each participant’s development plan is adjusted to their specific needs.
⚡ High-Pressure Situations: Real-case simulations prepare them for the chaos of live race decisions.
🏁 Mentorship from FIA’s Best: Learning from seasoned stewards and race directors.
FIA graduate Tuta Mionki, a Kenyan motorsport professional, spoke on the program’s impact:
🗣️ “It’s a fantastic initiative. The stewards I’ve worked with are very open and encouraging. These experiences are invaluable.”
Madrid Hosts the Largest FIA Officials Summit Since 2020
📍 Venue: Circuito de Madrid Jarama – RACE.
👥 Attendees: Over 200 officials from FIA championships worldwide.
🎓 Goal: To discuss officiating best practices, networking, and knowledge sharing.
This event marks a major step forward in the FIA’s commitment to training and nurturing officiating talent at all levels.
The Future of Race Officiating Starts Here
As motorsport continues to evolve, so must the people who ensure it runs fairly and safely. With this elite training initiative, the FIA is not just filling roles—it’s setting new global standards in officiating.
With these 12 rising stars in motorsport governance, the next time a controversial call is made in Formula 1, it may just come from a graduate of the FIA’s High-Performance Programme.
