DUBAI: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has paid tribute to the thousands of volunteers who make Formula 1 racing possible, after a study by the organization revealed the scale, value and dedication behind the role they play.
Conducted by the FIA University, the federation’s academic arm, the first research of its kind reveals that a minimum of 20,112 trained volunteers are required to staff all 24 rounds of the world championship calendar each season, according to a recent press report by the organization.
An average of 838 volunteers operating at each individual race weekend represents a ratio of 42 for every F1 driver competing on track, the highest volunteer-to-competitor ratio of any global sport.
With each volunteer committing approximately 48 hours of dedicated service to each race weekend, that amounts to 965,376 hours contributed to the world’s premier racing series across the full season.
Ben Sulayem said: “The FIA Formula 1 World 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 recognizes our significant investment and helps the FIA continue to provide support in the most effective ways.
“Together with our Members, and our volunteers around the world, we are powering the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.”
The report highlights the depth of their commitment, with 65 percent of volunteers taking annual leave or unpaid time off to serve at events.
The study estimates that training and development programs delivered by the FIA and its member clubs equates to more than $12.86 million annually.
Retention remains a key strength. Two-thirds of F1 volunteers have been active for more than five years, reflecting a strong and positive culture across race weekends.
This consistency has proved essential as volunteer workloads have increased by 20 percent during the same period alongside the sport’s global expansion.
Volunteering also offers a unique opportunity for race fans to play an active role in their home F1 Grand Prix.
Many see it as a meaningful recreational activity alongside their careers, with the total replacement labor value of their contribution estimated at €13.2 million annually.
The report has a series of recommendations to enhance the volunteer experience and maintain a healthy retention rate. The FIA is proposing a Centre of Excellence learning hub, to recruit and train volunteers and officials.
Alongside this, an expanded FIA Officials Department, including a new volunteer charter, would outline the minimum standards required to support and value volunteers during a world championship round.
