Motorsport Australia Official Carol Armstrong was honoured on the world stage at the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile’s 120^th Anniversary celebrations in Kigali, Rwanda over the weekend.

The prestigious title of the FIA Outstanding Official of the Year Award was presented to Armstrong at the newly-named FIA Awards. Taking place in the Rwandan capital Kigali, with a celebratory theme of 120 Years of Legends… 

Armstrong, who originally hails from Ireland but is now a proud Australian citizen, has volunteered at more than 45 Formula 1 races across Abu Dhabi, Australia, Azerbaijan, Britain, Hungary, Netherlands, Singapore, and the United States. Locally, she is also heavily involved in the Supercars Championship, Bathurst 6 Hour, Bathurst 12 Hour, motorkhanas, classic car rallies, karting, and even MotoGP events.

“I was truly honoured and grateful to receive the FIA Outstanding Official of the Year Award, and in the beautiful city of Kigali, Rwanda, surrounded by talented sportspeople and FIA delegates,” Armstrong said.

“I accepted the award not just for myself, but for all our brilliant and dedicated officials worldwide whom I’ve had the privilege to volunteer alongside.”

Motorsport also runs strongly in Armstrong’s Irish family, with her father Philip Armstrong still active in Irish rallying. Carol and her brother Neil were also highly competitive in karting, until her retirement from competition. Despite hanging up the helmet, Carol continued to be involved as a mechanic and started her officiating career in Ireland across marshalling, scrutineering, administration, race control, and rescue.

Moving to Australia at the turn of the millennium, Armstrong continued to officiate in motorsport and has made numerous lifelong friends along the journey – which has also helped her attend other events abroad, but also recruit internationals for Australian events.

“I have many favourite moments officiating around the world, such as my first Grand Prix at Abu Dhabi in 2012. Plus officiating at my home race every year since is such a great honour,” Armstrong said.

“Working with Motorsport Australia and our officials is a great opportunity for us all to re-engage socially, and do what we do so well with passion, experience, and a positive attitude for a safe and exciting race each time.” 

Armstrong joins thirteen Australians who have been honoured by the FIA since the award’s inception in 2011, a reflection of the calibre of Motorsport Australia’s officials’ world-class credentials.

Motorsport Australia’s Sporting & Technical Director Lisa Crampton, who herself has this year returned to Australia after some two-decades working in motorsport abroad, was thrilled Carol’s award continues Australia’s streak of successive FIA Officials awards.

“Carol’s award certainly validates the sentiment that Motorsport Australia’s officials are regarded as some of the best in the world, and we are all thrilled that she has been recognised by the FIA as one of the best in her field,” Crampton said.

“She joins an illustrious list of high-calibre officials who have won the award, and we are proud of her advocacy of Australian officials abroad. It’s truly a joy to see someone like Carol, who has generously and so enthusiastically volunteered her time to the sport, share the stage amongst the FIA’s World Champions at their prize giving ceremony.

“Motorsport Australia is eagerly awaiting the start of the 2025 season, and we’re excited to learn who might step up to become one of our future award winners.”

Carol is part of a strong volunteer base of more than 10,000 Australians, with a Senior Officials Development Program seeing a pathway for the next-generation of top level officials. Support from the FIA Sport Development Grant has been integral in facilitating development and mentoring opportunities for officials around the country throughout 2024. 

The program has seen many Australians elevated and mentored across the world, as highlighted by David Mori’s appointment to the Clerk of Course role at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix after 40 years of dedicated service by Tim Schenken OAM.

“I’m particularly passionate about supporting new and under-18 officials – encouraging and empowering them with the confidence to become part of our FIA family,” Armstrong added.

“I also have helped many national and international officials apply for opportunities here and around the world. I’m excited with the development and future of the FIA Girls on Track and Women in Motorsport. I would like to be an ambassador for our dedicated officials in motorsport.”

Further senior development program initiatives will also take place in 2025, including areas such as women’s development, esports, off road, and rally. Further appointments of race directors, technical delegates, and series stewards will be announced in the new year.

Meanwhile, Carol Armstrong’s FIA Award will again be commemorated at the 2024 Motorsport Australia National Awards Gala Dinner presented by Shannons Insurance on 23 February 2025.

Previous Award Recipients