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FIA president announces another key change for F1 2025 season

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has revealed that the 2025 Formula 1 season will introduce a system of rotating race directors. In a recent statement during an FIA event at the former Spanish Grand Prix venue, Jarama, Ben Sulayem confirmed that the governing body intends to have multiple individuals serve as race directors, recognizing that F1 requires a range of skilled professionals for the role.

He explained that the details of who will fill these positions and the exact number of race directors involved would be clarified soon, adding that the FIA has been investing significant time and resources into preparing candidates for the job. Ben Sulayem emphasized the importance of proper training and experience, noting that it is impossible to simply place an unprepared individual into such a high-pressure position. He remarked on the years of preparation already spent on the system, and while the results will only be clear when the season begins, he stressed that the goal is to ensure that the role is not overly reliant on any single person.

Ben Sulayem further outlined that having multiple race directors would offer more stability to the sport, particularly in cases where a race director is unavailable due to illness or personal reasons. He compared this to the structure of the FIA itself, pointing out that the organization can continue to function even if something were to happen to him, highlighting the importance of a system that doesn’t depend on individual figures.

He also responded to criticisms of the FIA and race director decisions, urging critics to be more constructive in their feedback. Ben Sulayem suggested that the real solution to the sport’s issues lies in the training of officials and the consistent recruitment of qualified personnel, not in assigning blame. He also rejected the notion that diversity efforts in the FIA are driven by quotas. Instead, he emphasized that diversity should be based on merit and capability, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. According to him, recruiting based on diversity quotas instead of competence would weaken the FIA and prevent it from fulfilling its responsibilities.

Ben Sulayem’s remarks come on the heels of the FIA’s announcement of plans to establish a new officials department aimed at developing the next generation of motor racing officials. The goal is to strengthen the depth of talent within the FIA and provide greater support for Formula 1 governance. This move is a continuation of efforts to prevent the kind of disruption seen in 2019, following the tragic death of long-serving race director Charlie Whiting and the departure of his successor Michael Masi. In 2023, the role was alternated between Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas, and after Wittich’s sudden departure in 2024, uncertainty surrounded the final races of the season.

By rotating the role of race director, Ben Sulayem hopes to ensure greater continuity and professionalism, addressing challenges that have arisen in recent years and providing a stronger foundation for the future of F1 go

vernance.