The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has published a landmark research report revealing for the first time in the history of the Federation the extraordinary scale and importance of volunteering to enable the FIA Formula One World Championship.

For as long as motor sport has existed, volunteering has been an intrinsic and special part of each event, and nowhere is this more clearly displayed than at the pinnacle of the sport – Formula 1. From flag marshals to observers, incident officers to extrication teams, volunteers are the race makers who power motor sport, keep us racing safely and create the unmistakable spirit of camaraderie, teamwork and unity present during every round of the FIA Formula One World Championship.

As the global governing body for motor sport, the FIA invests significantly in its development and sustainable growth, futureproofing the championship by helping to ensure every race is provided with dedicated, passionate and highly trained individuals. This new report, based on recent research undertaken by FIA University; the academic arm of the FIA, found that the training and development programmes provided by the FIA and its member clubs at every Formula 1 race equates to over €11 million of investment annually.

Building a healthy, enjoyable and rewarding environment for volunteers remains central to the FIA’s mission to strengthen and grow motor sport worldwide. This new research has found that two-thirds of volunteers at Formula 1 events have been volunteering for over 5 years, a testament to the positive culture built during race weekends. With volunteer workloads rising by 20% in the same period, this retention rate has been critical to sustaining the championship’s rapid recent growth.

Volunteering offers a unique, valuable and memorable opportunity for fans and enthusiasts around the world to be part of the action and play a meaningful role in the operations of what is often their home race. The report has found volunteers value the opportunity to participate as a recreational activity that fits around their employment, contributing an estimated €13.2 million euros in support to the sport.

Last October FIA Volunteers and Officials Month highlighted the immense contribution of volunteers who power motor sport, keeping tracks and circuits safe and ready to go racing and rallying across the world. Whilst this report explores the volunteer contribution to the FIA Formula One World Championship, the total value and global imprint of volunteering across FIA championships is far greater and an area to be explored by future research.

The report concludes with several recommendations to further enhance the volunteer experience and maintain the healthy retention rate. A Centre of Excellence would act as a learning hub to recruit and train volunteers and officials using world-leading innovation and global best practice whilst an expansion of the FIA Officials Department, including a new volunteer charter, would outline the minimum standards required to support and value volunteers during an FIA Formula One World Championship round. 

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said:

"The FIA Formula One World Championship relies on volunteers, they are the backbone of our sport – without them we simply could not go racing. They ensure our competitions are safe and fair. They act with professionalism and pride, and they support drivers, teams and fans. 

“The FIA deeply values their contribution and this landmark report not only delivers vital insights into their role but recognises our significant investment and helps the FIA continue to provide support in the most effective ways. 

“Together with our Members, and our volunteers around the world, we are powering the FIA Formula One World Championship.” 

Carol Armstrong, 2024 FIA Outstanding Official of the Year, said:

“Over the past 14 years I have volunteered at over 50 Formula 1 races and nothing beats the incredible atmosphere that is present in every paddock, marshals post and pit lane around the world. There is something so special about meeting new people who share such a deep love of the sport, all convening to play their part right at the heart of the action. 

“I’m grateful that this report has not only measured the immense value volunteering brings to Formula 1 but also highlights the extensive training and development opportunities we receive at events. I strongly believe the recommendations will further enhance the volunteer experience and ensure volunteering remains an integral and cherished part of every Formula 1 race.”

The FIA Formula One World Championship Volunteer Report was authored by Professor David Hassan of FIA University and is based upon empirical data collected during a 2025 survey of all 19 host organisers for the 24 rounds of the FIA Formula One World Championship. The report is available to read here.