Milestones Established at the World Motor Sport Council in Macau

As the global FIA community came together in Macau for its annual conference, the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) held its second session of 2025 at the Galaxy International Convention Centre on June 10. Chaired by President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the meeting followed the excitement of numerous milestones and developments within motorsport this year.

In his opening address, President Ben Sulayem expressed gratitude to the council members for their dedication and hard work, stating, “2025 is proving to be an exciting year across all our championships with technological milestones being reached, new talent emerging, and battles being fought on the track and across stages each week.” This statement reflects the vibrant energy and innovation sweeping through the world of motorsport.

The President highlighted a significant financial turnaround for the FIA, noting that the organization generated a profit of €4.7 million in 2024. He emphasized that this profit would be reinvested into key future projects, fulfilling his commitment to doubling global motorsport participation and supporting grassroots initiatives that empower local clubs and communities.

“2025 is a powerful opportunity for us to innovate and grow,” Ben Sulayem remarked, indicating that achievable new agreements across various championships are unlocking fresh potential, enhancing competition levels, and expanding the FIA’s global footprint. He praised the unwavering passion of the motorsport community and the dedication it shows through every race.

Among the key decisions taken during the WMSC meeting was the approval of the FIA’s first-ever safety regulations concerning vehicles powered by liquid hydrogen. This groundbreaking step marks a major milestone in the transition towards sustainable motorsport. Developed with insights from industry experts across diverse fields, these regulations will soon be integrated into Appendix J, Article 253 of the FIA’s International Sporting Code.

The new safety framework includes crucial measures such as pressure-tested compartments and robust leak detection systems. In light of the FIA’s previous focus on liquid hydrogen as a more efficient alternative to compressed gas tanks, this initiative positions motorsport as a pioneer for innovation within the hydrogen sector.

Further elevating the commitment to supporting emerging talent, the WMSC has also confirmed Malaysia as the host for the inaugural FIA Karting ‘Arrive and Drive’ World Cup, scheduled for November 14-16, 2025, at the LYL International Circuit. This unique event aligns with the FIA’s Global Karting Plan launched in late 2024, aiming to broaden access to grassroots motorsport and create pathways for aspiring drivers.

The ‘Arrive and Drive’ format is designed to lower financial barriers, allowing talented drivers, who may not otherwise have the means to participate in mainstream competitions, to compete on an international stage. Each National Sporting Authority (ASN) can nominate one driver while prioritizing inclusivity by excluding past participants in major championships. This initiative underscores the FIA’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the sport’s future stars.

In another exciting development, the WRC27 regulations have been finalized, opening a new chapter for the FIA World Rally Championship starting in 2027. The updated rules prominently feature flexible bodywork designs, allowing manufacturers significant creative freedom while maintaining performance standards. This pivotal aspect encourages diverse vehicular designs, increasing the appeal of the championship.

Regulatory updates across various championships were also a focal point during this meeting. The 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar has been approved, featuring 24 races and new teams, as well as a groundbreaking initiative of introducing 100% sustainable fuels. The inaugural Madrid race is set to take place from September 11-13, marking an important milestone for the sport.

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar has also been updated for the 2025-2026 season. Members approved the technical specifications for the GEN4 cars, which promise a remarkable performance boost with a projected increase in maximum power output to 600 kW, showcasing the ongoing evolution of electrical single-seater racing.

Moreover, three new FIA Rally-Raid Championships are introduced, categorizing stock drivers, navigators, and manufacturers, enhancing the competitive landscape and opportunities in rally-raid events. The FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 Championships also received their respective 2026 calendars, continuing the tradition of nurturing young talent in single-seater racing.

Single-Seater Committee updates reveal a new Regional Trophy concept set to launch in 2026, designed to support the FIA’s mission of increasing global participation in motorsport while offering flexible competition formats. This innovative approach aims to ensure that aspiring drivers can compete without extensive financial burdens, ultimately enriching the sport.

The FIA remains dedicated to the safety and well-being of all competitors, with discussions around granting Super Licences to emerging talents filled with promise. The World Council approved a Super Licence request for young driver Arvid Lindblad, showcasing a forward-thinking approach in recognizing and nurturing talent before they hit the age threshold.

Upcoming initiatives were also highlighted, such as the continuation of the ‘United Against Online Abuse’ (UAOA) campaign, which aims to combat online abuse across the sports community. The second major conference is set for September 9, 2025, in Stockholm, bringing together key stakeholders to drive action and share best practices in this vital area.