The FIA has introduced a new educational program aimed at increasing awareness about concussion risks in motorsports.
This initiative, announced by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem at the FIA 2024 Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is designed to improve the safety of motorsport competitors.
Developed through the collaborative efforts of the FIA Medical and Safety teams, the program provides educational content to be disseminated across social media platforms and in printable formats. These materials will be accessible to all FIA Member Clubs and available in multiple languages to ensure broad reach and inclusivity.
The campaign focuses on educating competitors about the signs, symptoms and critical red flags of concussion.
Concussion, a mild brain injury, requires serious attention and immediate action. By understanding how to identify concussion, knowing the steps to take if concussed and following guidelines for a safe return to racing, competitors can help maintain a safer environment in motorsports.
Key signs of concussion include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, problems with balance, amnesia or forgetfulness and irritability or changes in emotional state.
Competitors experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate assessment from the medical team. The campaign emphasizes the importance of erring on the side of caution with the message “If in doubt, sit out”.
For international competitors returning to racing after a concussion, the regulations outlined in Appendix L of the FIA Sporting Code should be followed. National competitors are advised to consult their ASN medical department and report any concussion incidents to the chief medical officer before their next race.
FIA president Sulayem said, “I have experienced concussion firsthand, away from the race track. I have felt the symptoms and dealt with the aftermath. I understand the critical importance of this issue. Thanks to the FIA Medical and Safety team, we will provide an educational and accessible approach to identifying and combating concussion in our sport, ensuring the safety of all current and future competitors.”
The FIA’s concussion awareness campaign is supported by funding from the FIA Foundation.
