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FIA President Ben Sulayem Meets President Aliyev as Baku Marks Decade of F1
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku to celebrate a decade of street racing and discuss future motorsport and mobility cooperation.
By Sanne Vermeer - 2026-09-26T17:09:00.000Z - 3 min read
Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, in Baku to review a decade of top-tier motorsport on the city's challenging street circuit. The high-level encounter coincided with the weekend events of the Baku Grand Prix, marking ten years since the nation first welcomed the world championship to its waterfront thoroughfares. Discussions focused heavily on the country's transformation into a prominent hub for international sport and the enduring partnership between local sporting authorities and the global governing body.
During the official engagement, both leaders addressed the broader implications of major sporting events for local infrastructure and international connectivity. Baku has established a distinct identity within the racing calendar, offering a layout that blends historical architecture with modern city-centre demands. Government officials and sports executives emphasized that this long-term commitment demonstrates how a clear vision can successfully showcase a host nation to a global audience while driving tourism and economic interest.
Beyond competitive racing, the talks explored the wider scope of mobility initiatives supported by the governing body. President Ben Sulayem highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts with regional member entities, including the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation, to foster safer road networks and accessible transport systems. As the nation continues to invest in modernizing its infrastructure, regional connectivity remains a primary focal point for both governmental strategy and the federation's developmental objectives.
Reflecting on the milestone anniversary, the FIA President expressed admiration for the progress achieved since the inaugural event a decade ago. He noted that the sustained success of the fixture relies upon meticulous organization and a shared dedication to elevating standards across both motorsport and everyday mobility. The conversations also touched on grassroots development pathways, ensuring that the presence of a world championship event creates tangible opportunities for local aspiring competitors and motorsport professionals alike.
The ongoing relationship between the governing body and Azerbaijani organizers forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties across the region. By bridging Europe and Asia, the host country occupies a unique geographic position that supports wider initiatives in transport safety, sustainability, and technological innovation. Stakeholders from government and sporting sectors gathered alongside the presidential delegation to map out future avenues for collaboration, ensuring that the legacy of the street circuit extends far beyond the racing weekend itself.
As the weekend's competition unfolded on the tarmac, the administrative meetings underscored the complex ecosystem required to sustain a modern championship round. From logistical planning to municipal cooperation, the milestone anniversary served as a benchmark for future editions on the calendar. Both leadership teams reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, fair competition, and sustainable growth as the sport looks ahead to its next chapter in the region.