FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently met with French President Emmanuel Macron to reinforce the longstanding partnership between France and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
The meeting emphasized their mutual goals in motorsport, road safety, mobility, and protecting youth online.
With the FIA headquartered in Paris, France plays a key role in the Federation’s heritage. This was underscored by the FIA confirming its commitment to France as a major centre of excellence.
During their extensive discussions, the leaders celebrated France’s significant influence in global motorsport, from early events like the Paris–Rouen trial in 1894 to the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, which draws thousands of spectators and supports over 1,000 full-time jobs, contributing more than €162 million to the French economy.
Macron and Ben Sulayem also addressed France’s representation in the FIA Formula 1 Championship, the presence of French talent in FIA World Championships, and the role of French manufacturers and promoters in shaping international motorsport. They also talked about facilitating visas for FIA delegates attending meetings in Paris.
The meeting included President Yann de Pontbriand of the Automobile Club de France (ACF), a founding member of the FIA and the world’s first automobile club, and Pierre Gosselin, President of the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA).
They discussed the vital role these clubs play alongside the FIA in promoting safe, responsible mobility and motorsport, as well as France’s historic contributions to these fields.
The conversation also centered on road safety and sustainable mobility, with Ben Sulayem and Macron exchanging ideas on initiatives to make mobility safer, more affordable, and sustainable, such as the newly launched FIA Driver Safety Index, a global benchmark utilizing AI technology to assess driver risk.
Another key topic was protecting young athletes and online respect, with discussions on the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign, which aligns with France’s policies on children’s social media safety.
The campaign combines regulation, education, and technology to create safer, more inclusive environments for the sporting community, supported globally by governments and sports organizations.
“Today highlights the profound and historic bond between France and the FIA, a connection that began with the founding of our Federation in Paris over a century ago,” Ben Sulayem stated.
“Together, we are dedicated to advancing safer roads, more sustainable and accessible mobility for everyone, and fostering motorsport innovation that benefits global communities.
“France has always been central to automotive progress, and it’s an honor to work with President Macron to ensure this legacy endures while addressing modern mobility challenges.”
