Winners of the 2024 FIA Awards for Volunteers and Officials

• Outstanding Official of the Year / FIA Lifetime Achievement Award: Ria Westerhuis ASN: KNAF (Netherlands)

Ria Westerhuis, a dedicated official from the Netherlands, has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to motor sport. With a career spanning over 40 years, her unwavering commitment and leadership have been instrumental in the success of numerous events, including the Dutch Motor Racing Championship and the Historic Grand Prix, as well as 12 FIA Formula 1 Dutch Grands Prix.

Since 1969, she has been the secretary and treasurer of the Dutch National Race Team Foundation. From 1970, she has held various board positions at the KNAF (Royal Dutch Motor Sport Federation), and she is active in, among other roles, the BSA (Appeals Committee) and the Regulations Committee. Starting in 1978, she has served as the permanent race secretary for Circuit Zandvoort and fulfils this role at other circuits whenever possible. Since 2016 she has been the secretary of the OCA Foundation, a position she also held in the 1990s for what was then the OCA Association. Ria's dedication to the sport over 55 years is truly inspiring, and her impact on the motor sport community is immeasurable.

• Award for a Marshal: Carol Armstrong ASN: Motorsport Australia (Australia)

Born and raised in Ireland, Carol Armstrong, now as an Australian citizen, is one of Australia’s most frequent exports as a marshal to international events. Carol has been an Australian marshal for over 10 years and this year’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix was the 39th she has volunteered at. In Ireland, she began growing her experience in officiating in a huge range of categories from rallycross to karting, historic rallies, hill climbs and 4x4 trails. Carol then moved to Australia and quickly got involved in the many opportunities available there, participating in many officiating roles and duties across varied disciplines including Pit and Grid Marshal, Scrutineering, Yellow Flags, Starter, Digi-Panel, Track and Flag Marshal, Race Control Administration, Intervention and Rescue Teams.

Carol is now a very experienced international Pit and Grid Marshal and Track and Flag Marshal. To date she has participated in 44 International FIA Formula 1 Grands Prix in Australia, Abu-Dhabi, the Netherlands, Italy, Austin, Miami, Azerbaijan, Great Britain, Singapore, Russia and Hungary, 13 Moto GP events and a huge variety of national and regional events.

Carol is always willing to take new marshals under her wing. With the experience she has gained attending so many events in so many different countries, Carol always ensure she uses her expertise to train and mentor new people and encourages people to try different events in different places, standing out as an amazing role model to the next generation.   

• Outstanding Official of the Year / FIA Award for a Senior Official (Stewards, Clerks of the Course): Peter Faluvegi ASN: Hungarian Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (Hungary)

Péter Faluvégi has been a key figure in Hungarian motor sport for decades. He climbed the ladder of race officials starting as a flag marshal before progressing to the role of post chief marshal. He has been the Clerk of the Course of the FIA Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix and most of the national and international championship events at the Hungaroring circuit for 28 years, but has also held the same position in other disciplines including rally, cross-country, autocross and rallycross. He was also Clerk of the Course for the first rally Hungary and is a holder of an "A" licence as steward. He has attended the FIA International Training Programme and has served as a steward at national and international competitions, several times as chairman.

In addition to his activities as an official Péter has been very active in the development of Hungarian motor sport. He is a member of the ASN's Sports Council, Safety Committee and Stewards Committee, and supports the federation as a track inspector and an instructor of marshals and stewards. He is member of the FIA Circuits Commission and held a Platinum inspector licence since 2017. He also served as Secretary General of the ASN, giving him an insight into the workings of the administrative system of the Federation. Peter is a true role model who is always looking to sharing his knowledge with younger officials.

• Outstanding Official of the Year / FIA Award for a Specialist: Andrew Farrington ASN: Motorsport UK (United Kingdom)

Andrew started his training to become a licenced scrutineer in 1999 and qualified in 2000. Over the last 24 years he has proven his dedication to the role by volunteering at numerous rallies and events across the country – from being a Championship Eligibility Scrutineer for the Formula 1000 Junior Championship, a rally championship for 14 to 17-year-olds between 2010 and 2015, to now being Technical Delegate for the British Rally Championship. Andrew has also supported the Race of Champions events as an Eligibility and Safety Scrutineer.

Not only does Andrew support the larger championships but he also supports smaller local rallies. Whilst at the Phil Price Memorial Woodpecker Stages in September 2024, Andrew demonstrated clear leadership and remained calm in the face of an emergency when a competitor collapsed in the scrutineering bay, showing no hesitation in performing life-saving CPR. This remarkable action typifies Andrew’s fantastic character, and he is well deserving of this Specialist award. 

• Outstanding Official of the Year / FIA Award for the Best Team of Officials: Neil Williams ASN: Jamaica Millennium Motoring Club (Jamaica)

Neil Williams has been Chief Timekeeper of the Jamaica Karting Association (JKA) for over twenty years, officiating at all JKA events held at the Palisadoes International Raceway. During his tenure, Williams has displayed the highest levels of professionalism and integrity, ensuring fair operation of event timing equipment and accuracy of event results reporting.

Williams has expanded his role, and has also been Chief Timekeeper for the Jamaica Race Drivers Club (JRDC) circuit racing events for over five years, bringing the same high level of professional integrity to these events. Neil has also overseen various training sessions – his teaching has ensured that his knowledge and experience is being passed to other trained officials for the crucial event timing function.

• Outstanding Official of the Year / FIA Award for the Best Team of Officials: Team of Officials from the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, ASN: Real Automóvil Club de España (Spain)

The team of officials from the Circuit Ricardo Tormo has been honoured for their exceptional contributions to motor sport. With a collective experience spanning decades, this team has been instrumental in organising and managing various high-profile events in Spain – with their standout achievement last year being the spectacular 2024 FIA Motorsport Games held in Valencia. Their dedication, professionalism, and teamwork have set new standards in event management and safety. The team's contributions have not only benefited the Spanish motor sport community but have also earned them international recognition.

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, the FIA remains committed to supporting and recognising the volunteers and officials who make motor sport possible. Their dedication and passion are the driving force behind our sport, and we are grateful for their continued contributions. Their hard work and dedication are a testament to the spirit of motor sport, and we are proud to honour their achievements.

About Federation Internationale de l’Automobile 

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. 

Founded in 1904, 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 seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.