FIA Launches 2026 Sustainable Innovation Series at Canadian Grand Prix in Montréal

13.05.26
  • 2026 Series examines how data and AI are transforming motorsport and shaping the future of sustainable mobility
  • Global programme aligned with FIA World Championships to connect high-performance innovation with real-world transport solutions
  • Montréal selected as launch venue, reflecting its leadership in sustainable urban mobility and climate-focused city strategy

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today announced the return of its Sustainable Innovation Series (SIS) for 2026. 

Launched two years ago, this year’s Series will once again bring together senior industry leaders and experts from sport, industry, technology, government and academia. Its focus: accelerating the transition to safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility systems by translating high-performance innovation from the racetrack into real-world impact.

The 2026 programme starts in Montréal, Canada, ahead of the FIA Formula One World Championship Canadian Grand Prix, before continuing at flagship motor sport events across the globe, leading up to the FIA World Endurance Championship 24 Hours of Le Mans, the FIA Formula One World Championship Madrid Grand Prix, and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Shanghai.

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said: “Since its launch, the Sustainable Innovation Series has demonstrated the power of collaboration in driving meaningful progress across motorsport and mobility.

“By bringing this Series to key global events, we are creating a platform that connects expertise from across sport, industry, and government, ensuring that the lessons learned on the track can translate into real-world impact."

The Montréal launch event, co-hosted with the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), will focus on the theme: ‘Track-to-City: Sustainable Innovation in Motorsport and Mobility’ and the role of data and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of motorsport and mobility. Discussions will explore how advanced data-driven technologies – long embedded in high-performance racing environments – are increasingly being applied to improve safety, optimise infrastructure and support more sustainable transport systems.

The choice of Montréal as this year’s launch reflects the city’s strong commitment to ecological transition and sustainable urban development. Through its Montréal 2030 strategic plan, the city is advancing policies on sustainable mobility and climate resilience, positioning itself as a leading hub for innovation in low-carbon, human-centred mobility systems.

The FIA’s Sustainable Innovation Series (SIS) this year features a series of keynotes, panel discussions and expert exchanges, convening stakeholders from sport, industry, academia and government to examine the opportunities and challenges presented by next-gen technologies. Topics are expected to include innovation as a driver of sustainability, climate resilience, road safety and the governance of data in an increasingly connected mobility ecosystem.

Further details on the Montréal agenda and speakers will be confirmed in due course.

Willem Groenewald, FIA Secretary General for Mobility, Sustainability and Tourism, said: “We are entering a new era where data and artificial intelligence are not just enhancing performance in motorsport, but redefining how we approach sustainability across the entire mobility ecosystem. From predictive safety systems to optimised, low-emission transport networks, these technologies are enabling smarter, more resilient infrastructure.

The Sustainable Innovation Series is about scaling those innovations beyond the track, connecting sectors, accelerating collaboration, and turning high-performance insight into real-world solutions.”

Tim Shearman, President of the Canadian Automobile Association and FIA Deputy President for Mobility said: “Canada has built a strong global reputation as a leader in sustainable mobility, innovation and responsible urban development, and Montréal is a powerful example of that in action.

Hosting the launch of the FIA Sustainable Innovation Series here reflects both the city’s commitment to climate-focused transport solutions and the importance of collaboration between global and local partners in shaping the future of mobility.”

The FIA Sustainable Innovation Series forms part of the FIA’s broader commitment to advancing sustainability and innovation across both motorsport and global mobility, demonstrating how the precision, speed and innovation of motor sport can help solve some of the most pressing challenges in global mobility.

The Series aims to move beyond dialogue, towards supporting the development of scalable solutions with real-world impact that deliver safer roads, cleaner cities and more resilient transport systems worldwide.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Maria Zander, Corporate Communications Manager – mzander@fia.com

Nicolas Ryan, CAA Director of Public Affairs and Media Relations – nicolas.ryan@caaquebec.com

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 six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.