Formula One's governing body, the FIA celebrates its 120th anniversary

Formula One's governing body, the FIA has reached a milestone today in its history as the Paris-based motorsport organisation celebrates its 120 anniversary.

The famous Gordon Bennett cup was held in Germany in 1904, and Léon Théry came out on top of the race to bring the trophy home to France with an 80bhp Richard Brasier.

Three days later, 20th of June 1904, delegates of motor clubs from Germany, Austria, United States, France, Great Britain, Holland and Italy met at the Automobile Club de France in Paris. That date is considered as the day on which the FIA was founded as an association of national motor clubs.

The purpose of the meeting was to create an association which coordinated their activities, especially sport events. That evening laid the foundation for the "Association Internationale des Automobiles Clubs Recconnus" AIACR.

The organization targeted to represent the interests of motor car users, as well as to oversee the burgeoning international motor sport scene.

The Second World War brought any activities to a halt. However, upon the resumption of motor racing, the AIACR was renamed the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. The organization established a number of new racing categories, among them Formulas One and Two, and created the first World Championship, the Formula One World Drivers' Championship, in 1950.

Celebrating the milestones of its history, the FIA highlighted its most important results it has achieved in terms of improving safety and technology over the decades.

1910s - 1940s: From 1910s’ four-valve per cylinder to the 1920s’ improved tyre tech, 1930s’ aerodynamic advances, and 1940s’ change in vehicle design, motorsport has driven innovation bringing power, agility, speed and efficiency to the track.

1950s - 1980s: From the 1950s' introduction of disc brakes and the 1960s' monocoque chassis to the 1970s' focus on aero and engine efficiency and the 1980s' use of carbon fibre, we've seen continuous improvement to motorsport safety, performance, and sustainability.

1990s - 2020s: Advanced telemetry and data systems, hybrid powertrains, fully electric racing series, biometric monitoring systems etc. This era offered revolutionised race strategy and optimization, a significant step towards sustainability, cutting-edge electric vehicle technology and huge safety improvements.

The FIA is currently led by Mohammed bin Sulayem with former Ferrari chief designer Nikolas Tombazis working as the Single Seater Director.

Headquartered at 8 Place de la Concorde, Paris, with offices in Geneva and Valleiry, the FIA consists of 243 member organisations in 147 countries worldwide.

FIA is sanctioning various forms of racing. It currently controls seven world championships: Formula One World Championship, Karting World Championship, World Rally Championship, Formula E World Championship, World Rallycross Championship, World Endurance Championship and World Rally-Raid Championship .