The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is commemorating the 70th anniversary of karting, a discipline recognised as the foundation of modern motorsport. This milestone coincides with the recently concluded 2026 Mondokart.com FIA Karting World Championship.
Karting originated in California in 1956 when Art Ingles and Lou Borelli constructed the first kart. They fitted a 2.5 horsepower lawnmower engine to a steel tube chassis.
Initially a method of transport in car race paddocks, karting evolved into a recreational activity in American car parks by the late 1950s. Its popularity then expanded into Europe.
The FIA established the International Karting Commission (CIK-FIA) in 1962 to regulate the sport. The first Karting World Championship followed in 1964.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem acknowledged karting’s significant role in developing racing talent. He stated it has produced many legends who achieved success at motorsport’s highest levels.
Akbar Ebrahim, President of the FIA Karting Commission, also highlighted the discipline’s evolution. He noted its progression from a simple lawnmower engine on a steel tube to a sophisticated sport.
Lando Norris, the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Champion and 2014 FIA Karting KF World Champion, reflected on his karting background. He described it as essential for learning driving fundamentals and understanding vehicle dynamics.
” learn how to drive; you learn how to feel what is right, what is wrong, all those things that set you up to be an understanding driver and how to drive quickly, so it’s very important.”
Norris also expressed a fondness for his karting days, citing their relaxed and social atmosphere. He contrasted this with the current intensity of professional car racing.
Charles Leclerc, a Ferrari driver and 2011 FIA Karting Academy Trophy winner, emphasised karting’s role in teaching core racing skills. These include teamwork, setup considerations, overtaking, and managing race pressure.
Leclerc observed that many current Formula 1 drivers competed against each other in karting 15 to 20 years ago. He noted the shared passion and motivation to win remain constant.
The 2026 Mondokart.com FIA Karting World Championship for OK and Junior categories recently concluded at the La Conca circuit in Southern Italy. Noah Baglin (GBR) secured first place in the OK category.
Luke Kornder (GER) finished second, with Zac Drummond (GBR) in third position in the OK category. Nearly 200 drivers competed for the title.
The FIA launched its Global Karting Plan in 2024 to enhance the sport’s affordability and accessibility. This initiative aims to secure karting’s future for the next seven decades.
A central component of this plan is the ‘Arrive and Drive’ format. This system provides identical, loaned equipment to all competitors, reducing costs by two-thirds compared to traditional international events.
The Global Karting Plan was announced during the 2024 FIA General Assemblies week in Kigali, Rwanda. It aims to establish a clearer pathway within the FIA Karting system.
The plan includes a Karting Excellence Centre, offering educational programmes focused on driving, technical, physical, and mental development. This supports young drivers’ progression.
FIA President’s Medals were introduced to boost the National Karting Ranking (NKR) system. This led to a projected 50% increase in registered drivers in 2025.
The inaugural FIA Karting Arrive and Drive World Cup took place in November 2025 in Malaysia. It featured 108 drivers from 46 countries, utilising standardised karts provided by the OTK group.
This initiative is part of the FIA’s broader Vision 2030: FIA Motor Sport Strategy. The strategy aims to double global participation in motorsport.
Beyond Norris and Leclerc, numerous Formula 1 champions began their careers in karting. Alain Prost was the first karting graduate to win an F1 drivers’ title.
Other notable F1 drivers with karting roots include Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, George Russell, Ayrton Senna, Kimi Räikkönen, and Robert Kubica.
