Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has highlighted the scale and value of volunteers in Formula One, with a landmark study showing that at least 20,112 trained personnel are needed to service the 24-round championship each season.
Conducted by FIA University, the report found that an average of 838 volunteers work each race weekend - a ratio of 42 volunteers for every driver - contributing around 48 hours each per event. Over a full season, this amounts to 965,376 hours of service.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the F1 championship "relies on volunteers, they are the backbone of our sport – without them we simply could not go racing. They ensure our competitions are safe and fair. They act with professionalism and pride, and they support drivers, teams and fans".
"The FIA deeply values their contribution and this landmark report not only delivers vital insights into their role but recognises our significant investment and helps the FIA continue to provide support in the most effective ways."
The study underlines the commitment required, with 65% of volunteers taking annual leave or unpaid time off to officiate, while two-thirds have served for more than five years. Volunteer workloads have also risen by 20% in line with the sport's global expansion.
The FIA invests more than €11 million annually in training and development, with the total replacement labour value of volunteers estimated at €13.2 million. Plans include a new Centre of Excellence and a volunteer charter to strengthen recruitment, training and long-term retention.
