The 2026 FIA American Congress opened its three-day session in Buenos Aires on August 31 under the joint auspices of Argentine President Javier Milei and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, according to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. The gathering at the Automóvil Club Argentino brought together representatives from 32 member clubs spanning North, Central and South America along with the Caribbean. Discussions during the event from August 31 to September 2 centre on shared priorities that include competition safety, talent pathways and infrastructure improvements across the region.
Ahead of the formal opening, Ben Sulayem held a private meeting with Milei that focused on strengthening ties between the FIA and Argentina in both mobility services and motorsport activities, the FIA reported. The congress marks the first time Argentina has hosted the American regional meeting in 15 years, a return that officials tied to renewed international engagement. César Carman, president of the Automóvil Club Argentino, welcomed delegates by underscoring the host club’s role in fostering collaboration among member organisations.
Milei used his opening address to advocate for Argentina’s renewed place on the global motorsport calendar, stating that the country possesses the necessary conditions to host Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship once more. The president specifically highlighted the aspiration to see Argentine driver Franco Colapinto compete at home, framing it as part of broader ambitions for the sport’s domestic growth. His remarks aligned with ongoing efforts to restore Argentina’s presence in premier international competitions after the last Formula 1 race on Argentine soil in 1998.
The agenda for the congress includes sessions on technological innovation in vehicles, sustainable mobility solutions and strategies to enhance road safety standards throughout the Americas, according to the FIA’s published programme. Delegates will exchange best practices developed by national clubs while addressing regional challenges that range from infrastructure constraints to talent identification programmes. This year’s meeting follows the 2025 edition hosted in Paraguay, continuing a cycle of four annual continental congresses that shape FIA policy at the regional level.
Ben Sulayem expressed appreciation for Milei’s participation and described Argentina as an ideal venue given its deep-rooted enthusiasm for motorsport and mobility initiatives. The FIA president noted that the platform enables member clubs to tackle both immediate operational issues and longer-term opportunities facing the sector. Additional Argentine government figures in attendance included Secretary of Tourism, Environment and Sport Daniel Scioli, who joined discussions on the intersection of sport development and national infrastructure planning.
Participation extends beyond club delegates to include global FIA officials who will guide debates on regulatory alignment and innovation benchmarks applicable across diverse markets. The Automóvil Club Argentino has coordinated logistics for the event at the Four Seasons Hotel, ensuring representatives can focus on actionable outcomes for their respective national federations. Organisers expect the conclusions drawn in Buenos Aires to feed directly into the FIA’s wider strategic planning for the remainder of 2026 and beyond.
