The FIA has published what it is calling a “pioneering set of medical guidelines” designed to support drivers in managing health conditions while competing safely and fairly across all levels of motorsport.
The FIA states that it has developed the guidelines – which are freely available – in collaboration with leading medical experts, with the document providing detailed guidance on the treatment and management of a wide range of health conditions. The guidelines are intended to assist drivers and national sporting authorities (ASNs) in making informed healthcare decisions, while also ensuring full compliance with FIA medical and anti-doping regulations.
Dr Sean Petherbridge, president of the FIA Medical Commission, said, “The FIA Medical Guidelines are a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to support driver health and well-being. By offering clear, evidence-based recommendations, we are empowering drivers and medical professionals to make informed decisions that support safe participation in motorsport. The FIA Medical Commission will continue to engage with drivers, teams and national sporting authorities to ensure these guidelines evolve in line with the latest medical research and the changing demands of the sport.”
By publishing this extensive document, the FIA is looking to reinforce its commitment to protecting and supporting the health, performance and development of drivers across all motorsport disciplines. The inclusion of condition management advice and guidance is also intended to ensure that, wherever possible, health conditions do not restrict participation in motorsport events, enabling widespread participation.
Furthermore, by providing free and open access to the document the FIA is hoping that ASNs will embed the guidelines in national level competitions, supporting grassroots competitors as they begin their motor sport careers.
The publication has been widely praised by drivers, teams and medical professionals as a vital resource that promotes safety, fairness and inclusivity in motorsport.
Dr Vincenzo Tota, official doctor for Porsche Motorsport, said, “It’s a fantastic idea to have Medical Guidelines from the FIA. I read them carefully and I think it is a very valuable document. It’s a really good innovation and a great way to instruct and provide proper guidance to people who might not be so deeply involved in the medical side or don’t have medical personnel on their teams. The guidelines will be useful for everybody, even for us professionals, as they serve as a good reminder, but they will be especially fundamental for smaller teams or drivers who are new to competition.”
The FIA Medical Guidelines document is available here
In related news, the FIA has been working on the development of a steering damper to prevent hand injuries in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Read the full story here
