The third meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council has been held on 16 October, via videoconference.
Linking together the global network of National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) with the FIA’s newest office location in the heart of London, the FIA President joined the Council from the recently-completed Knightsbridge premises.
In his opening address, the FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem highlighted the many areas of growth and development throughout the year so far, as well as the ongoing digital transformation at the FIA.
I am delighted to be joining you today from our new FIA office in London – a milestone that reflects our continued efforts to strengthen and globalise our Federation – he said.
So far, this year has been one of growth as we see partnerships, and championships, go from strength to strength. We have accelerated our organisations digital transformation – empowering our members with the introduction of the cutting-edge FIA Digital Licensing Platform with an ongoing investment of over €1.6m.
Through this, we are laying the groundwork for the future of motor sport with the first digital licenses due to be issued next year for the 2026 season by a number of our global ASNs.
President Ben Sulayem also turned the attention of the World Council to the ongoing FIA Volunteers and Officials Month, paying tribute to the thousands of people who dedicate their time to the sport, adding:
This month we have celebrated our volunteers and officials – the heroes who power our sport. Throughout October we’ve shone a spotlight on the vital role they play at every level, from grassroots events to FIA World Championships.
My sincere thanks to each and every one of them for their dedication and passion.
The following is a summary of decisions in the field of green motorsport taken at WMSC meeting:
FIA introduces new e-kart categories
Karting is set to enter a new chapter with the addition of technical and homologation regulations for Junior and Senior e-karting. The regulations, covering e-drivetrain system providers, voltage limits, weight and powertrain integration will spark an expansion in international e-karting, opening the door to new events, competitions and championships around the globe.
The regulations, approved by World Motor Sport Council today, expand upon the existing e-karting technical regulations governing e-karting mini which was introduced in October 2023.
The new Junior and Senior e-karting classes both limit voltage to 60V and require batteries to be positioned in a central position, below the steering column, and not on the sides of the kart. This follows extensive research, testing and evaluation conducted by the FIA Technical and Safety Departments over the last year, at the request of the FIA Karting Department.
Following the approval of these regulations, electric drivetrains can now be homologated by the FIA with the maximum total power produced by the Rechargeable Energy Storage System limited to 23kW in the Junior class and 28kW in the Senior class.
E-karting offers a fresh and dynamic racing category and contributes to the growing number of FIA championships and competitions utilising sustainable energy sources.
Akbar Ebrahim, FIA Karting Commission President, said:
E-karting presents a significant opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of global karting and these regulations will unlock fresh possibilities for events and championships around the world. With the launch of new e-karting classes, the inaugural Arrive and Drive Continental Championships and the largest FIA Karting calendar to date, 2026 is shaping up to be a golden year for karting.
Positive energy for all of motor sport
The World Council has approved the creation of a new consolidated article in Appendix J to the International Sporting Code. Article 266 defines the general regulatory framework applicable to all energy sources used in FIA competitions, namely liquid fuels, electric power, and hydrogen.
Its objective is to establish common principles that ensure safety and promote the transition towards sustainable mobility. It details specific provisions related to each energy type and is the first time this information has been made available as a singular resource.
As technology develops, motor sport continues to become more complex, and the challenge of regulating the sport to ensure fairness and transparency at every level grows. By consolidating regulations in this way, the FIA Technical Department aims to future-proof its processes and maximise its effectiveness, working hand-in-hand with partners and colleagues across a global network of suppliers and manufacturers.
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar has been updated
The World Council has approved slight amendments to the Sporting Regulations, with qualifying sessions reviewed to create an even more viewer-friendly qualifying format.
Attack Mode rules have been updated, with the option to have only one Attack Mode during Pit Boost races and two Attack ModeS for non-Pit Boost races.
Additionally, the obligation to fulfill the complete Attack Mode time has been removed.
Finally, Financial Regulations have been tweaked, with the exclusion from the cost cap of maternity.
FIA Bridgestone ecoRally Cup
The calendar for the 2026 season has been approved as follows:
Source: Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)
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