FIA
The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) is the international governing body that creates rules, ensures safety, and oversees major motorsport championships including Formula One, World Rally Championship, and Formula E.
Think of the FIA as the referee and rule-maker for professional motorsport worldwide. Just like FIFA governs international soccer or the NBA oversees professional basketball, the FIA is the organization that makes sure racing competitions run fairly, safely, and consistently across different countries and series.
The FIA's most visible role is creating and enforcing regulations for race cars and competitions. They decide everything from how powerful engines can be to what safety equipment drivers must use. When you hear about new technical rules in Formula One or changes to race formats, those decisions come from the FIA. These regulations ensure that all teams compete under the same conditions and that the sport remains challenging yet safe.
Safety is one of the FIA's primary responsibilities. The organization investigates accidents, tests safety equipment, and introduces protective measures for drivers. For example, the Halo device—that protective ring you see above Formula One cockpits—was introduced by the FIA and has saved multiple lives. They also inspect and approve racing circuits to ensure they meet strict safety standards before any competition can take place.
The FIA also handles licensing for drivers, teams, and racing events. To compete in Formula One, drivers need a special FIA Super License, which proves they have enough experience and skill. Similarly, racing teams must obtain FIA licenses, and even the race tracks themselves need FIA approval before they can host international competitions.
When disputes arise during races—like collisions between drivers or rule violations—the FIA's stewards investigate and make decisions. They can issue penalties ranging from time additions to race bans, ensuring that competitors follow the rules. The organization provides an independent judicial system where teams can appeal decisions if they believe they've been treated unfairly.
Beyond traditional racing, the FIA promotes sustainability in motorsport. They've introduced regulations requiring sustainable fuels and support the development of electric racing through Formula E. This work helps motorsport evolve with environmental concerns while still providing exciting competition.
The FIA oversees numerous racing disciplines beyond just Formula One. They govern rally racing, endurance racing like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, touring car championships, and many other forms of motorsport. This makes them responsible for ensuring consistent standards across very different types of racing around the world.