The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, today announced that entries are now open for the 2026 season of the FIA Smart Driving Challenge (FIA SDC). 

Starting today (1 April), all drivers can get involved in the challenge, regardless of where they’re based or what kind of vehicle they drive. Participants can visit the FIA SDC website or download the app to find out more. 

Now in its eighth year, the FIA SDC is the world’s first challenge that rewards smart, safe and eco-friendly driving, with everyday drivers competing to help make roads safer and reduce environmental impact worldwide. Led by the FIA and powered by Greater Than’s AI technology, drivers simply download the FIA SDC app, connect to their car via Bluetooth, and the app does the rest, measuring safety and sustainability performance and providing drivers with scores and feedback to support lasting behaviour change. 

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said:  “Smart driving isn’t just reserved for professional drivers when they’re racing or rallying, it’s a mindset we can all adopt every time we get behind the wheel. 

“The FIA Smart Driving Challenge brings together a global community of drivers, united to inspire, motivate and challenge one another to bring safer and more sustainable mobility to our roads.” 

Running from April to December, the FIA SDC features seven heats. The top 20 drivers qualify for the Playoffs, where they will compete for two places in the live head-to-head Grande Finale this December. The winner will be crowned the World’s Smartest Driver. 

Since its first season in 2019, the FIA SDC has welcomed a growing number of participants from around the world. Last season saw drivers from 97 countries take part, with an average reduction in battery usage or CO2 emissions of 9%, increasing to almost 30% for winner Alexandre Stricher. Throughout the season, participants also drove with a 37.5% lower risk level than the average driver.* 

Willem Groenewald, Secretary General for Automobile Mobility & Sustainability at the FIA said: “The FIA Smart Driving Challenge gives everyone a simple way to make a difference with every journey, just by downloading an app. That’s the beauty of this Challenge, every journey to work, to the shops or to the school gates is a chance to climb the leaderboard and become a smarter driver.”  

Johanna Forseke, Incoming CEO at Greater Than said: “We’re very proud that our AI powers the FIA Smart Driving Challenge, an initiative that has grown significantly in reach and impact over the years.  

“Now, as we enter the eighth season, the need to focus on safe, sustainable driving has never been greater. The strong engagement shows that drivers are keen to learn from AI-driven insights and highlights the real-world value of the Challenge.”