Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 26 January 2026 – As one of the world’s leading tyre makers, Hankook is now a Global Partner of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide. The partnership forms part of the FIA Global Partner Programme, uniting leading organisations around the world who view innovation, sustainability and safety as central to the future of mobility and motorsport. The official signing ceremony took place January 23rd at the FIA London Office, featuring FIA's President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and the President and COO of Hankook Tire Europe, Jongho Park.
Among other things, the new partnership sees Hankook take on the roles of Official Partner of the FIA Awards, which take place every year in December, and Official Partner of the FIA Sustainable Innovation Series from 2026 through 2028. The latter is a global event platform, run in close cooperation with FIA World Championships, such as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, FIA Formula One World Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship and FIA World Rally Championship. The series brings industry leaders together and facilitates discussion, collaboration and action – with a particular focus on promoting ‘track to road’ opportunities whereby innovation in motorsport can impact the broader automotive sector.
Promoting technological progress together
The partnership is based on a common understanding of values: pioneering work in the field of new technologies is the key to positive changes in both future mobility and motorsport. Hankook is contributing to this approach with its comprehensive technological expertise and a clear focus on sustainable transformation. Among other things, the premium tyre maker is pushing ahead with AI-assisted development processes, strategic investment in electromobility – such as with the iON tyre family, which is specifically developed for electric vehicles – and the increased use of certified renewable and recycled raw materials.
As an integral component of modern mobility, tyres contribute significantly to safety, efficiency and sustainability – particularly against the background of the technological shift to new drive concepts. With this in mind, Hankook is taking an integrated approach and developing tyre solutions that meet the highest standards for conventional and new vehicle types. As the exclusive technical partner and tyre supplier of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and FIA World Rally Championships, the tyre maker’s involvement in motorsport is a central component of the research and development strategy for testing new materials and technologies.
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, Hankook Tire Europe, said:
“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, said:
“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.”
Caption 1:
f.l.t.r.: Jongho Park, President and COO of Hankook Tire Europe, and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA
Caption 2:
f.l.t.r.: Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, and Jongho Park, President and COO of Hankook Tire Europe, during the official signing ceremony.
