The FIA is taking another major step into the rapidly expanding world of esports and sim racing, underlining its commitment to connecting motorsport with a new generation of competitors and fans. Through a newly launched initiative, the governing body of world motorsport has opened a search for experienced partners capable of creating, promoting, and operating future FIA-backed esports championships.
The move reflects the growing importance of virtual racing within the broader motorsport ecosystem. Over the last decade, sim racing has evolved from a niche hobby into a highly competitive environment featuring professional teams, major sponsors, and drivers from the highest levels of real-world racing. As a result, the FIA sees esports as an increasingly valuable tool for expanding motorsport’s global reach and attracting younger audiences.
FIA looks to build the next generation of virtual racing competitions
In an official announcement, the FIA confirmed the launch of a public call aimed at identifying promoters and event specialists capable of delivering world-class esports championships under FIA governance.
The selected partners will be expected to contribute not only to the sporting structure of future competitions but also to their commercial development and long-term sustainability. Organizers will be required to present comprehensive plans covering championship formats, event management, live finals, international market reach, broadcast strategies, fan engagement initiatives, and revenue opportunities.
The Federation believes that sim racing offers one of the most accessible entry points into competitive motorsport. Unlike traditional racing categories, which often require substantial financial investment, esports allows talented competitors from virtually any part of the world to participate using relatively affordable equipment.
This accessibility has become one of the key reasons behind the sector’s explosive growth, with millions of players actively competing across multiple platforms and racing simulators every year.
Why sim racing is becoming increasingly important for motorsport
The popularity of esports has grown dramatically in recent years, blurring the lines between virtual and real-world competition. Many professional racing drivers now regularly use simulators not only for training purposes but also to compete in online events against some of the world’s best virtual racers.
Perhaps the most famous supporter of sim racing is Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver has repeatedly highlighted the value of simulator competition and continues to participate in high-level online racing events despite his demanding Formula 1 schedule.
The success of sim racing has also created new career pathways. Several drivers have successfully transitioned from virtual competition into professional motorsport, proving that esports can serve as a genuine talent-development platform rather than simply a form of entertainment.
For the FIA, these developments represent a significant opportunity. By establishing officially sanctioned championships, the organization hopes to create a structured environment capable of nurturing talent, improving competitive standards, and increasing fan engagement across different regions of the world.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem outlines FIA’s long-term vision
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the strategic importance of esports within the Federation’s broader growth plans. He explained that virtual racing has become one of the fastest-growing forms of competition globally and continues to provide new opportunities for people to connect with motorsport regardless of geographic location or financial barriers.
According to Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the latest initiative represents a major milestone in the FIA’s esports development strategy. He indicated that the objective is to identify opportunities capable of supporting sustainable growth while simultaneously attracting new competitors, audiences, and commercial partners.
The FIA President also stressed that virtual racing should not be viewed separately from traditional motorsport. Instead, he sees esports as a complementary discipline capable of strengthening the sport’s future and broadening its appeal among younger generations.
Focus on innovation, integrity and fan engagement
Similar views were expressed by FIA Esports Commission Chairman Niroshan Pereira, who described the public call as an important stage in identifying organizations capable of delivering championships that reflect the FIA’s values and competitive standards.
Niroshan Pereira indicated that future FIA esports competitions must combine sporting integrity with innovation and high levels of audience engagement. The goal is not simply to organize online races, but to create professional championships capable of attracting international attention and delivering memorable experiences for competitors and fans alike.
As esports continues its rapid expansion, the FIA’s latest initiative demonstrates that virtual racing is becoming an increasingly important pillar of the global motorsport landscape. By investing in official championships and seeking experienced commercial partners, the Federation is positioning itself to play a leading role in shaping the future of sim racing while creating new pathways for aspiring racers around the world.
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