The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today announced the appointment of Anar Alakbarov of Azerbaijan to the FIA Senate.

The FIA Senate is the body responsible for the overall governance of the FIA and the oversight of the Federation’s financial and administrative matters and for steering the implementation of its strategic vision across sport and mobility.

A distinguished cultural leader, Mr. Alakbarov brings to the Senate a wealth of experience spanning politics, international relations, motorsport, and the arts. He currently serves as Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and has been President of the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation since 2014, leading numerous initiatives promoting motorsport, sustainability, and automotive heritage in the region. He has played a central role in bringing the FIA Formula 1 Grand Prix to Baku and has served as a member of the FIA Environment and Sustainability Commission. He is also the founder of the Vintage Car Club in Azerbaijan.

Beyond motorsport, Mr. Alakbarov is Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center and Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, where he has overseen major international cultural and social projects across Europe and Asia. He also serves as Commissioner General for Azerbaijan’s participation in World and International Expositions, including Expo 2025 in Osaka.

Recognised globally for his contributions, Mr. Alakbarov has been awarded numerous state honours, including the Order of Glory (Azerbaijan), the Commander’s Cross Order (Hungary), the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Cavalier of the Order of Arts and Literature (France), and the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Poland.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said: “I am delighted to welcome Anar Alakbarov to the FIA Senate. His exceptional track record in public service, international diplomacy, and cultural leadership, combined with his deep passion for motorsport, makes him a valuable addition to our senior governance team.

“This appointment reflects the FIA’s continued commitment to global representation and to shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking future for both mobility and motorsport.”

Carmelo Sanz de Barros, President of the Senate of the FIA, said: “Mr. Alakbarov brings a combination of strategic insight, cultural perspective, and operational experience to the FIA Senate. His longstanding commitment to the values of the FIA and his leadership in promoting motorsport and sustainability in Azerbaijan and beyond will enrich our work.

“We look forward to his contributions as we continue to strengthen the Federation’s governance and global impact.”

Commenting on his appointment, Anar Alakbarov said: “It is a great honour to join the FIA Senate and contribute to the continued growth of this historic and forward-thinking organisation. I have seen firsthand how the FIA drives progress, through innovation in motorsport, sustainable mobility, and international collaboration.

“I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to further strengthen the Federation’s global role and to represent the interests of our diverse community.”

His appointment to the FIA Senate comes at a time of continued transformation and growth for the Federation, reinforcing its commitment to international representation, cultural engagement, and sustainability in motorsport and mobility.

ENDS

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• Jonathan Refoy, Chief Communications Officer – jrefoy@fia.com 
• Geri Sherwin, Head of Presidential Communications – gsherwin@fia.com
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The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.