Hankook joins the FIA Global Partner Programme with a focus on transferring motorsport technology to road-going vehicles
One of the world's leading tyre manufacturers has joined forces with motorsport's governing body in a partnership designed to accelerate sustainable innovation across the automotive sector. Hankook has been welcomed as a Global Partner of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), marking a significant expansion of the organisation's collaborative programme with industry leaders.
The official signing ceremony took place on 23rd January at the FIA's London office, attended by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Jongho Park, President and COO of Hankook Tyre Europe.
The wide-ranging agreement sees Hankook assume several prominent roles within the FIA's ecosystem. The tyre maker will serve as Official Partner of the annual FIA Awards ceremony, which takes place each December to celebrate excellence in motorsport. Additionally, Hankook will become Official Partner of the FIA Sustainable Innovation Series from 2026 through 2028.
The Sustainable Innovation Series represents a global platform run in close cooperation with FIA World Championships, including the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, FIA Formula One World Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship, and FIA World Rally Championship. The series brings together industry leaders to facilitate discussion, collaboration, and action, with particular emphasis on 'track to road' opportunities—enabling innovations developed in motorsport to benefit the broader automotive sector.
At the heart of the partnership lies a mutual commitment to pioneering technological advancement as the catalyst for positive change in both motorsport and future mobility. Hankook brings substantial expertise in sustainable transformation to the table, deploying AI-assisted development processes and strategic investment in electromobility solutions.
The company's iON tyre family, specifically engineered for electric vehicles, exemplifies this forward-thinking approach. Hankook is also increasing its use of certified renewable and recycled raw materials as part of its sustainability strategy.
As tyres play an integral role in vehicle safety, efficiency, and environmental performance—particularly important as the industry shifts towards new powertrain technologies—Hankook's integrated development approach addresses the needs of both conventional and next-generation vehicles.
The manufacturer's existing motorsport commitments already support this research and development strategy. As exclusive technical partner and tyre supplier to both the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and FIA World Rally Championship, Hankook uses competitive racing as a proving ground for new materials and technologies.
Commenting on the partnership, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said: "Sustainability and technological innovation are at the heart of our missions at the FIA, so I am delighted to welcome Hankook as a new partner. This new partnership with Hankook reflects the global growth of our FIA Global Partner Programme, and through collaboration it will strengthen our work to make motorsport and mobility safer."
Jongho Park, President & COO of Hankook Tyre Europe, emphasised the shared values underpinning the agreement: "The FIA and Hankook share the belief that technological innovation can only be effective on a sustained basis if it combines safety, fairness, and responsibility. As Global Partner of the FIA, we want to use our expertise in technology and sustainable tyre development to drive the mobility of the future—in motorsport and beyond."
Craig Edmondson, Chief Commercial Officer of the FIA, added: "Through our expanding Global Partner Programme, the FIA is working alongside leading international organisations that share our commitment to driving innovation, sustainability, and safety across both motorsport and mobility. We are pleased to welcome Hankook into the FIA Global Partner Programme. Together, we will continue to accelerate progress and shape a more sustainable, future-focused mobility ecosystem."
The partnership reinforces the growing recognition that motorsport serves not merely as entertainment, but as a vital testing laboratory for technologies that will shape the future of road transport, with sustainability and safety remaining paramount considerations throughout the development process.
Tagged with: Hankook FIA partnership, sustainable motorsport, track to road technology, EV tyres UK, iON tyre range, recycled materials in tyres, ISCC PLUS certification, Formula E tyre supplier, WRC tyre technology, mobility safety standards, tyre sustainability reporting
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