FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says he feels immense national pride as Abu Dhabi prepares to host a dramatic conclusion to the Formula One season, with three drivers still in contention for the world championship title.
Reaffirming his commitment to the UAE’s long-term motorsport aspirations, Ben Sulayem said he remains focused on supporting the country’s continued rise as a globally recognised venue for world-class racing.
With Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri heading into Sunday’s FIA Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with the title still undecided, Ben Sulayem says he is thrilled to see his home nation once again take centre stage as millions of fans worldwide watch the final chapter of the season unfold at Yas Marina Circuit.
“The UAE authorities have provided dedicated support for motorsport over many years, developing events that have put the country on the world sporting map, attracting competitors and spectators from around the world, and exciting F1’s global fan base,” said Ben Sulayem.
“As an Emirati, I’m proud of my country’s achievements in motorsport, as highlighted by the impact of the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As FIA President, I’m committed to continue to support the consistent efforts in the Emirates to build on the country’s status as a global motorsport venue.”
Ben Sulayem notes that Abu Dhabi’s role in the championship reflects the growing influence of the region, with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE all playing major roles in the current Formula One calendar.
Reflecting on Abu Dhabi’s first race in 2009—a milestone moment following decades of motorsport activity—the FIA President recalls the scale of operational change required to meet the demands of Formula One.
More than 700 marshals were required for the debut event, compared to around 150 for a major rally. While international volunteer support was essential in the early years, sustained training programmes have since produced a skilled UAE-based team, many of whom are Emirati.
“This was vital to allow the Grand Prix to become self-sufficient and achieve sustainability, a factor which is so important on a global basis, and central to the FIA’s strategy for motorsport growth and development,” says Ben Sulayem.
Looking forward, he believes Formula One is entering its most exciting era yet, with new FIA regulations introducing lighter cars, sustainable fuels, and fresh competition thanks to Cadillac joining the grid and Madrid becoming a new race host.
Abu Dhabi now stands as a benchmark venue, meeting the FIA’s expectations not only through the quality of its circuit but also through major investment in complementary services, infrastructure, and strategic long-term planning.
Ben Sulayem said: “Through a strategic investment in building world class sporting foundations, and in particular the investment in the Yas Marina Circuit, the UAE has showcased the country’s travel and tourism attractions, its appeal as an investment hub, and its status as a desirable country in which to live and work.”
Today, Yas Marina Circuit is regarded as one of Formula One’s most prestigious destinations, supported by recent multimillion-dirham upgrades that have transformed race control operations into one of the most technologically advanced in the sport.
During Sunday’s title-deciding Grand Prix, race stewards will utilise 55 live camera feeds alongside timing data, tracking systems and incident logs—technology that may prove decisive as the championship hangs in the balance.
