FIA praises volunteers supporting Formula 1 in Qatar

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has praised the volunteers and officials who help organise motorsport events across Qatar and the wider Middle East, highlighting their contribution to the safety and success of major competitions. His comments came during the FIA's October 2026 Volunteer and Officials Month, which recognises the people working behind the scenes in motorsport.

Ben Sulayem singled out the teams involved in the Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit, which has hosted Formula 1 since 2021. He also praised Qatar's motorsport authorities for their preparation and organisational standards, stressing the importance of marshals, technical officials, medical personnel and rescue crews in delivering safe and well-run events.

According to FIA research, a Formula 1 season featuring 24 rounds requires at least 20,112 trained volunteers, averaging 838 people per race weekend. If each volunteer contributes approximately 48 hours, their combined workload reaches 965,376 hours across the season.

The figures also underline the personal commitment involved, with 65% of volunteers reportedly taking paid or unpaid leave from their regular jobs to support motorsport events. Ben Sulayem's recognition highlights how much Formula 1 depends not only on its drivers and teams, but also on the dedicated workforce operating away from the spotlight.