Mohamed Bin Sulayem, President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), met yesterday with French President Emmanuel Macron to reaffirm the historic partnership between France and the FIA.
The meeting highlighted common priorities in the areas of motorsport, road safety, mobility, and protecting young people online.
Thanks to the presence of the FIA’s headquarters in Paris, France occupies a unique position in the history of the federation, and this was confirmed again yesterday when the FIA reaffirmed its commitment to France as one of its main centers of excellence.
The FIA President and the French President celebrated France’s pivotal role in global motorsport, from historic sporting championships such as the 1894 Paris-Rouen Trial to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which continues to attract thousands of spectators and make a significant impact, supporting more than 1,000 full-time jobs and contributing more than €162 million to the French economy.
President Bin Sulayem and President Macron also discussed France’s continued representation in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, French talent participating in world championships, and the contributions of French manufacturers and organizers in shaping international motorsport. Supporting the facilitation of visa procedures for FIA delegations attending meetings in Paris.
The two presidents were joined by the President of the Automobile Club de France (ACF), Yann de Pontbriand, one of the founding members of the Federation and the world’s first automobile club founded in 1895. He is also President of the FIA Founding Member Clubs, and Pierre Josselin, President of the French Motor Sports Federation (FFSA).
Discussions addressed the pivotal role that clubs play alongside the FIA in promoting safe and responsible mobility and motorsport, as well as France’s historical contribution to these sectors.
The conversation also focused on road safety and sustainable mobility. President Bin Sulayem and President Macron exchanged views on initiatives aimed at making mobility safer, more affordable and more sustainable, such as the newly launched FIA Driver Safety Index, a unique global standard developed to measure and compare drivers’ risks using the latest artificial intelligence technologies.
Protecting young athletes and promoting respect online was another major theme. The two leaders discussed the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign, which is closely aligned with France’s policies on child safety on social media.
By combining organisation, education and technological tools, the campaign aims to create safer and more inclusive environments for the sports community, and has global support from governments and sports organizations alike.
Speaking after the meeting, FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem said: “Today’s meeting confirms the deep and historical relationship between France and the FIA, a relationship that extends back to the founding of our federation in Paris more than a century ago.”
He added: “Together, we are committed to enhancing road safety, providing more sustainable and accessible transportation for all, and encouraging innovation in motorsport that benefits communities around the world.”
“France has always been at the heart of automotive progress, and I am honored to work alongside President Macron to ensure this legacy continues while addressing the challenges of the modern mobility landscape.”
