The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) brought its 2026 Sustainable Innovation Series (SIS) to the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 11, 2026. This event, held in partnership with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO)gathered leaders from motor sport, industry, technology, and government to explore how endurance racing is propelling technological and societal advancements.
Le Mans has long been a proving ground for automotive innovationfrom disc brakes to hybrid powertrains. Today, it continues to drive progress in hydrogen powersustainable fuelsand energy-efficient technologies. The ACO and the 24 Hours of Le Mans recently renewed their 3-star accreditation from the FIA Environmental Accreditation Programme, underscoring their commitment to a sustainable future.
Leaders Discuss the Future of Endurance Racing
The event kicked off with opening remarks from Pierre FillonPresident of the ACO; Frédéric LequienCEO of Le Mans Endurance Management; Stéphane Le FollMayor of Le Mans; and Marek NawareckiCircuit Sport Director of the FIA. They outlined the vision for endurance racing’s role in driving technological and societal progress.
Panel discussions covered topics such as hydrogen technology deployment and sustainability in the tyre industry. Speakers included representatives from the FIA, Toyota Racing, TotalEnergies, MissionH24, Ariane Group, ENSOSP, Forvia, Michelin, Goodyear, and Ford Racing. The afternoon concluded with a fireside chat featuring Paul FowlerVice President Motorsport Global at DHL, who discussed how specialised maritime freight logistics are reducing the FIA World Endurance Championship’s carbon footprint.
Hydrogen Prototypes Take Center Stage
Ahead of the discussions, on-track demonstrations showcased hydrogen prototypes, including the Toyota TR LH2 Racing Prototypethe Alpine Alpenglowand the Ligier Bosch JS2 RH2. These prototypes represent the cutting edge of hydrogen technology in endurance racing.
Xavier Mestelan PinonChief Technical and Safety Officer at the FIA, emphasised the significance of these advancements: “The 24 Hours of Le Mans embodies the spirit of endurance and innovation that defines the Sustainable Innovation Series. The advancement in hydrogen technology pioneered by regulators, manufacturers, and partners will help deliver safer, cleaner, and affordable mobility far beyond the racetrack.”
Pierre Fillon added, “Le Mans has always been where the future of the automobile is written. Welcoming the FIA Sustainable Innovation Series to the home of endurance racing highlights our shared ambition that hydrogen and sustainable technologies will shape the next great chapter of our sport and of mobility.”
Looking Ahead to Future Innovations
The Sustainable Innovation Series will continue its journey at the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Shanghai, expanding the discussion to new regions, industries, and communities of practice.
The FIA, founded in 1904, is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. With offices in Paris, London, and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals, and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
