The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced the winners of the 2025 FIA Awards for Volunteers and Officials, which celebrate the commitment, dedication and passion of those who power motor sport in every corner of the globe.

From grassroots events to World Championship rounds, our sport relies on armies of volunteers and officials who work behind the scenes to keep us racing and rallying safely, fairly and smoothly. This year’s winners, all nominated by their member club (ASN), have displayed professional excellence and an immense commitment at tracks and circuits around the world having dedicated years and in some cases many decades to the sport.

The new FIA Officials and Volunteers Department has also been leading efforts across the Federation to further enhance the volunteer experience and will later this year organise a second edition of Volunteers and Officials Month, which last October united the global motor sport family in celebrating those who support and enable motor sport events whilst spotlighting the various roles and opportunities available for fans and enthusiasts to get involved trackside.

The motor sport community is strengthened by the variety of roles available to get involved and we are proud to bring together a passionate community united by a shared love for the sport.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said:

“Volunteers and officials power our sport, and I am delighted to recognise the commitment, passion, and expertise they show through these awards.

“Congratulations and thank you to our volunteers and officials for their continued service from grassroots to the global stage. It is their dedication that helps us go racing and rallying”

Winners of the 2025 FIA Awards for Volunteers and Officials

FIA Outstanding Official of the Year: Stephen Harding (Motorsport South Africa, South Africa)

Stephen Harding is honoured for over four decades of exceptional contribution to motor sport. Beginning as a club steward 45 years ago, he has played a pivotal role in shaping South African and African motorsport through leadership positions across touring cars, rallying, rallycross, Formula E and rally raid. His influence spans regulatory work, event organisation, training programmes and mentorship, helping build stronger standards and future leaders throughout the continent. Known for his professionalism, calm authority and unwavering dedication, Stephen continues to be a driving force behind the growth and integrity of the sport in South Africa and beyond.

FIA Lifetime Achievement Award: Jean Michel Matas (Automobile Club de Monaco, Monaco)

Jean Michel Matas is celebrated for an extraordinary 53 year career at the Automobile Club de Monaco. As Chief Marshal, he led and trained the world famous team of Monaco marshals, contributing to every major event in the Principality from Formula 1 to the Monte Carlo Rally. He has dedicated decades to Race Control, where his leadership, discipline and deep institutional knowledge became foundational to the Monaco officiating culture. Widely admired for his mentorship and commitment to excellence, he remains a respected adviser and a cornerstone of Monaco’s legendary motor sport culture.

FIA Award for a Senior Official: Dani Widyotomo Sarwono (Indonesia Motor Association, Indonesia)

With more than 25 years of service, Dani Sarwono has been instrumental in professionalising motor sport in Indonesia across roles ranging from safety car driver to Clerk of the Course for major international championships. His leadership was invaluable during Indonesia’s first Formula E event, coordinating hundreds of officials and adapting FIA processes to local structures. Known for his fairness, clarity and steady authority, he continues to strengthen national governance, develop safety culture, and train new officials.

FIA Award for Other Officials: Veruschka Perazzi (Automobile Club d'Italia, Italy)

Over three decades, Veruschka Perazzi has built a distinguished career from marshal to one of Italy’s most respected Secretaries of the Meeting. She ensures the smooth running of events through expert management of documentation, communication and results. Known for her precision, composure, and ability to coordinate efficiently between Race Director, Stewards and event teams, she has become essential to the organisation of rallies and hill climbs. Her dedication, reliability and deep procedural knowledge has earned her a reputation as a model of professionalism within Italian motor sport.

FIA Award for Other Officials: Dr. Dino Antonio Oswaldo Altmann (Confederação Brasileira de Automobilismo, Brazil)

Dr. Dino Altmann is recognised as one of the most respected figures in motor sport medicine. With more than 45 years in the medical field and over 15 years dedicated full time to racing, he has supported the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix, WEC, Stock Car Brasil and more. He has shaped national safety standards, trained hundreds of professionals and led key medical commissions. Renowned for calm decision making under pressure and exceptional leadership in emergency response, he embodies the highest level of medical excellence in motor sport.

FIA Lifetime Marshal: Maurice Bennington (Motorsport UK, United Kingdom)

Maurice Bennington’s 55 year career makes him one of the most recognisable figures in British marshalling. Known as “Mr Assembly,” he is known for his clear organisation, memorable paddock announcements and deep knowledge of race operations at circuits such as Snetterton, Brands Hatch and Silverstone. He has supported countless events, including over thirty in 2024 alone, and inspired generations of new marshals through his mentorship, stories and unwavering dedication.

FIA Lifetime Marshal: Benoît Lejeune (Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, Belgium)

Beginning as a pit marshal in 1987, Benoît Lejeune has spent nearly four decades contributing to Belgian motor sport, eventually rising to co president of the Track Marshals Commission. He is known for his structured, transparent leadership and his constant commitment to supporting marshals across car racing, karting and hill climbs. A weekly presence at circuits around Belgium, Benoît prioritises clear organisation, team spirit and the development of others, often placing his marshals in the spotlight rather than himself. His long term dedication continues to strengthen the country’s officiating community.

FIA Best Team of Officials: Canadian Motorsports Response Team (Canada)

The Canadian Motorsports Response Team (CMRT) is recognised for its exceptional rescue and safety support across Canada, covering around 115 days of racing annually, including the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, Honda Indy Toronto, NitroRX and more. With teams operating across several provinces and a culture of continuous training, CMRT exemplifies professionalism, innovation, and teamwork in high pressure environments.

FIA Award for a Scrutineer: Chan Jan Lee Matt (Motor Sports Singapore, Singapore)

Matt Chan has been a valued member of Singapore’s officiating community for many years, contributing across autogymkhana, motorcycle racing, karting and as a flag marshal at the Singapore Grand Prix. His passion lies in scrutineering, where his accuracy, fairness and strong rapport with competitors set him apart. As Chief Scrutineer, he leads with humility and teamwork, approaching every challenge calmly and professionally. Always willing to help, learn and support others, Matt has become a respected, reliable figure whose dedication and positive spirit highlight the best of volunteer motor sport.

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact Omar Sharif, Sport Communications Manager: osharif@fia.com

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 six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.