The President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, praised the efforts and contributions of volunteers in the success of the Formula 1 World Championship races, emphasizing that the sport fundamentally relies on them. This came following the release of a study conducted by the Federation, which revealed their role and value in supporting these races. The study, prepared by the FIA University, the Federation's academic arm and the first of its kind in the FIA's history, showed that organizing a full season of the Formula 1 World Championship, consisting of 24 races, requires at least 20,112 trained volunteers. This averages 838 volunteers per race, equivalent to 42 volunteers per driver, the highest volunteer-to-participant ratio in any global sport. The study explained that each volunteer contributes approximately 48 hours of service per race, bringing the total volunteer work hours to 965,376 over the season, reflecting the vital role they play in supporting the Formula 1 World Championship series. Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that the Formula 1 World Championship depends on volunteers; they are the backbone of the sport. Without them, races could not be held, as they ensure the safety and integrity of the competitions, acting with professionalism and pride to support the drivers, teams, and fans. He added that the study provides important insights into the role of volunteers and reflects the scale of investment the FIA makes to support and enhance their participation. From marshals to rescue teams and incident officers, volunteers form a fundamental pillar of every race. The study revealed that 65% of Formula 1 volunteers take their annual leave or unpaid leave to participate in the races, while the FIA and its member clubs continue to invest in training and development programs exceeding €11 million annually. It also noted that two-thirds of Formula 1 volunteers have participated for more than five years, reflecting a strong positive culture despite a 20% increase in volunteer workloads amid the sport's global expansion. Furthermore, the study estimated the economic value of volunteers' contributions at around €13.2 million per year, confirming their economic importance in supporting the championship. The study included several recommendations to enhance the volunteer experience, such as establishing an excellence center dedicated to their recruitment and training with the latest innovations, and creating a new charter that sets minimum standards for supporting and recognizing volunteers during Formula 1 World Championship races.
