FIA and Azerbaijan Chart Course for Enhanced Motorsport and Sustainable Mobility Partnership
President Ilham Aliyev and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem discuss deepening cooperation on road safety and sustainable transport as Baku celebrates a decade of hosting Formula 1
A landmark meeting between Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, has set the stage for expanded cooperation in motorsport development and sustainable mobility initiatives.
The discussion took place during the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a significant milestone as Baku marked ten years of hosting the prestigious street race. The timing underscored the nation’s established credentials as a world-class motorsport destination and provided a natural platform for exploring future collaborative opportunities.
The two leaders examined Azerbaijan’s trajectory as an international motorsport hub and identified avenues for strengthening ties between the country and the global motorsport federation. Particular emphasis was placed on the broader role of mobility in fostering economic growth and enhancing regional connectivity, reflecting the strategic importance of transport infrastructure to the nation’s development agenda.
Central to their discussion were commitments to elevating road safety standards and advancing sustainable transport solutions. These initiatives align with Azerbaijan’s ongoing investment programme in modern infrastructure and its participation in international connectivity networks.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasised that the meeting represented an opportunity to align on shared visions for motorsport expansion and mobility advancement throughout Azerbaijan. He highlighted how Formula 1’s sustained success in Baku exemplifies the transformative power of meticulous long-term planning and effective event organisation. Major international sporting events, he noted, serve as powerful catalysts for fostering global connections and elevating a nation’s international profile.
As the governing body for global mobility organisations, the FIA has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with governments and member federations, including the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation, to create safer, more accessible and environmentally sustainable mobility ecosystems. This mission encompasses technological innovation, policy development and grassroots engagement across the mobility sector.
Ben Sulayem’s wider visit to Azerbaijan encompassed comprehensive engagements with government officials, motorsport organisations and mobility stakeholders. These discussions aimed to identify opportunities for expanding FIA initiatives throughout Azerbaijan and the broader regional context, reflecting the federation’s strategic ambitions for motorsport development beyond Europe.
Source: WAM