FIA president likens local GP to FIA Games for its variety

[Photo: Renato Marques]

The president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has described the Macau Grand Prix (GP) as a kind of FIA Games.

Ben Sulayem made the remarks during a joint media interview last Sunday at the Coloane Karting Track while visiting the facility on the sidelines of the FIA Conference at the Galaxy International Convention Center.

Asked how he views the Macau GP and its future, the FIA president said, “I see the Macau Grand Prix as the FIA Games. The FIA Games have variety, so you are not excluding anyone. It’s one of the regions where the synergy among the local motorsports association, the government, and the FIA is strong. They are very proud to be in the FIA, and we are very proud to have them.”

The FIA Games, formerly known as the FIA Motorsport Games, is a biennial event organized by the FIA that features a variety of racing disciplines, with competitors representing their home nations and competing for gold, silver, and bronze medals.

The 2024 edition, held in Valencia, featured 646 athletes from 82 nations competing in a record 27 disciplines, including karting, GT, touring cars, Formula 4, rally, cross car, auto slalom, drifting, and esports categories. The host and venue for the 2026 event have yet to be announced.

Future remains secure

On the future of the Macau GP, Ben Sulayem expressed confidence in the event’s longevity, citing its rich history and reputation among generations of racing stars.

“Macau has a history,” he said, noting that many drivers, past and present, have described it as one of the world’s premier motorsport events.

Addressing the shift from Formula 3 to Formula 4, he rejected suggestions that the change represented a downgrade.

“F4 is becoming stronger and stronger. If you look at participation levels, there are far more drivers in F4 than in F3. It is popular because it is accessible, and that is good for the public,” he said.

Beyond formula racing, the Macau GP also features touring cars and GT competitions. According to Ben Sulayem, the event’s diverse lineup helps attract fans and commercial partners alike.

“You have such a mixed program here that attracts a lot of fans, and that also attracts a lot of partners. The Macau Grand Prix never went in just one direction. It grew because of the challenges around it and because it kept delivering its best to the audience,” he said.

He added that the FIA remains committed to supporting local organizers and is open to adapting race formats whenever necessary to ensure the event remains relevant and sustainable in the years ahead.