The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) will integrate esports into the FIA Karting World Championship for the first time, with the 2025 edition set to feature a virtual competition alongside on-track racing in Kristianstad, Sweden, from 11–14 September.
Organised by Svenska Bilsportförbundet (SBF), Sweden’s motor sport national authority, the initiative is designed to broaden grassroots entry points into the sport. Esports was recognised as an official discipline by the FIA in 2023 and has since been included in international competitions such as the FIA Motorsport Games Esports Cup.
The Kristianstad event will use 12 racing simulators running iRacing, with the FIA F4 category selected for the competition. Entries are open to licence holders aged 14 and above, and the contest will be overseen by FIA-recognised stewards.
“Bringing together Karting and Esports at the 2025 FIA Karting World Championship underscores the FIA’s commitment to grassroots investment and expanding the ways people can engage with motor sport,” said Vincent Caro, FIA Head of Circuit Grassroots Disciplines & Activities. He added that the simulators would also be available for free use by visitors across the weekend.
SBF Chair Jessica Bjurström said the addition of Esports was “a great opportunity for more people to get involved with the thrills of motor sport whether on-track or on-screen.”
The Karting World Championship will crown champions in the OK-Junior (12–14 years) and OK (14+) categories. Both the karting and Esports competitions will be streamed on the FIA Karting Championship YouTube channel.
