Ben Sulayem promotes female inclusion and sustainability in Formula 1.

Mohammed ben Sulayem, President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), has emphasized the need to break down barriers that hinder female participation in Formula 1. During his recent visit to Lima, where he participated in the FIA American Congress, the former rally driver highlighted that it is essential to facilitate the path for women to access the pinnacle of motorsport. This approach not only addresses the need for inclusion but is also part of a broader strategy to diversify and expand motorsport worldwide. The congress, which brought together 31 sports and mobility clubs from the Americas, took place in a context where the FIA seeks to promote road safety and motorsport. Ben Sulayem, who took over the presidency of the FIA in 2021, stressed that he is committed to making motorsport a more accessible sport. "We must make it easier for women," he stated, indicating that modifications are being worked on to allow more women to compete in Formula 1 in the near future. In his conversation with Deporte Total, ben Sulayem also addressed the importance of sustainability in motorsport. "We are not part of the problem; we are part of the solution," he said. With Formula 1 preparing a rule change for 2026, the FIA president announced that more efficient hybrid power units are being developed in an effort to reduce the sport's environmental impact. This reflects a commitment not only to safety but also to the environment, a crucial issue today. The cost of motorsport has been a critical point for the FIA, and ben Sulayem revealed that the organization is trying to make lower categories, such as karting and crosscar, more affordable. "We have reduced the price by almost 70%," he explained, which will allow more young people to access these sports. The strategy includes providing countries in South America and other regions with a regulatory framework that allows them to develop their own karting and crosscar, facilitating the entry of new talents into motorsport. The conversation also extended to competitiveness in Formula 1, where ben Sulayem mentioned that there is currently a growing interest from new teams wanting to join the championship. "We are open to expressions of interest," he said, which could mean diversification in the F1 grid. However, he acknowledged that the resistance from established teams is a factor to consider, as they fear that an increase in the number of teams could dilute existing competitiveness. In a context of change and evolution, ben Sulayem referred to the need for innovation in both technical aspects and championship management. The FIA president is aware of the challenges facing motorsport, from the need for new business models to the pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. Under his leadership, the FIA seems willing to take on these challenges and find creative solutions. The outlook for the South American region looks promising, with the addition of more rally events and the possibility of Argentina reclaiming its place on the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar. Ben Sulayem has expressed his interest in bringing major motorsport events back to Argentina, emphasizing the rich history of motorsport in the country and the importance of fostering the growth of this sport in the region. The conversation also touched on the topic of new technologies and their application in motorsport. Ben Sulayem highlighted that the FIA is committed to innovation, and that the new regulations for 2026 will include significant improvements in aerodynamics and vehicle efficiency. This will not only benefit competition but also represent a step forward in the pursuit of safer and more environmentally friendly motorsport. Finally, ben Sulayem's role in the FIA seems to be marking a turning point in how motorsport is perceived. His clear vision and commitment to inclusion, sustainability, and competitiveness could define the future of motorsport in the coming decades. With initiatives aimed at involving more women and making motorsport more accessible, the FIA could be on the brink of a new era that transforms not only Formula 1 but the entire landscape of global motorsport.