Argomenti trattati
The FIA, the international governing body for motor sport and a federation of mobility organisations, has announced a new scholarship developed in partnership with the European Sport Business School (ESBS). This initiative is designed to bridge practical industry experience and advanced academic training by supporting a candidate to undertake the Master in International Sports Management. The launch signals a deliberate effort to create alternative entry routes into senior roles within the sport, by combining education, exposure and targeted support. The announcement frames the award as an investment in people who will shape the future of racing governance, event management and commercial strategy.
The programme aims to broaden access to high-quality learning and on-the-job experience for those who might not otherwise reach top-tier management education. Through the scholarship programme, recipients will receive financial backing and institutional mentorship intended to strengthen their skills, deepen relevant experience, and expand their global perspective. In doing so, the scheme becomes part of the FIA’s strategic effort to reinforce a long-term talent pipeline, ensuring leadership roles in and around the sport are open to a wider range of backgrounds and life stories.
Scholarship overview
The core ambition of the FIA Scholarship Programme is to provide a complete pathway from candidate selection through to a recognised academic credential and industry placement. Candidates will be supported to complete the Master in International Sports Management and benefit from tailored opportunities that combine classroom learning with practical projects and networking. The award is intended for individuals who have already engaged with motorsport at some level and are now seeking the training to step into professional leadership. By pairing the FIA’s global reach with ESBS’s academic framework, the initiative seeks to create leaders who can operate across commercial, regulatory and event-driven environments.
Objectives and benefits
Among the programme’s expected outcomes are improved career mobility, stronger organisational leadership and enhanced diversity of thought within the sport. The scholarship offers targeted financial support alongside access to international internships and industry mentors, which together aim to accelerate a scholar’s transition into management roles. Recipients should expect to develop competencies in strategy, governance, sponsorship and operational delivery. The emphasis on both theory and applied work is intended to produce graduates who can immediately contribute to teams on and off the track while also understanding the broader business and regulatory context of modern motorsport.
ESBS master and programme details
The partner institution, ESBS, is known for its blend of academic rigour and applied learning. It is ranked 18th globally, 5th in Europe, and #1 in Spain for on-site sports management programme, positioning it as a strong platform for a leadership-focused master. The Master in International Sports Management at ESBS is structured to combine classroom modules with real-world case studies, industry projects and guest lectures from sector professionals. This combination is intended to prepare graduates to navigate sponsorship negotiations, event logistics, regulatory frameworks and commercial partnerships in an international setting.
Eligibility and application process
Prospective applicants should be individuals with existing motor sport experience who are aiming to advance into strategic or managerial roles. The selection criteria emphasise potential for leadership, creativity in problem solving and a commitment to widening access within the sport. Financial support and placement opportunities will be awarded to a candidate chosen through a competitive process managed by the FIA and ESBS. Interested candidates must note the application deadline: 15th May 2026. The programme is positioned to attract talent from diverse professional and geographic backgrounds and to offer a springboard into both industry roles and governance positions.
Voices from the partnership and national federation
Leaders involved in the partnership have highlighted different but complementary motivations. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, framed the scholarship as a step to increase accessibility and diversify the pool of professionals who will guide the sport. Vicente Valero, Programme Director for the master at ESBS, described the collaboration as an alignment of missions: to make high-quality sports management education reachable for those with leadership potential. Meanwhile, Manuel Avino, President of the Royal Spanish Automobile Federation (RFEDA), emphasised that investing in people is one of the most effective ways to secure motorsport’s future, noting the value of combining academic excellence with industry experience to build a resilient sector.
Applicants and industry observers are encouraged to view the scholarship as more than financial aid: it is a structured route to international study, practical placement and long-term career development in motorsport. By linking the FIA’s governance role with ESBS’s educational capacity, the programme aims to open new leadership pathways and help modernise the talent pipeline across the sport, supporting careers both on the track and within the wider business ecosystem.