For the first time, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is providing its nuclear security expertise to a Formula 1 Grand Prix, supporting Azerbaijan in protecting race participants and spectators against any potential threats involving nuclear and other radioactive material at the Baku motor racing event.
The Baku Formula 1 Grand Prix, scheduled for 19 to 21 September, is expected to attract tens of thousands of spectators along the six-kilometre city circuit. During a mission this week in Baku, the IAEA supported Azerbaijan in strengthening nuclear security measures for the race, providing specific advice and recommendations.
The Baku Formula 1 Grand Prix event demands robust security measures due to its high public profile and significant media attention.
“Major events are prime targets for criminals, including the potential misuse of nuclear and other radioactive material,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “By extending our nuclear security support to the fast-paced world of motorsport, we are extending our vigilance – helping countries close critical gaps and keep the public safe.”
At the request of the Government of Azerbaijan, the IAEA team – including experts from France and the United Arab Emirates, and one IAEA staff member – advised the national authorities on nuclear security measures at Formula 1 sites in Baku. During the four-day mission, from 9 to 12 September – hosted by the State Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Activity Regulations of the Ministry of Emergency Situations – the team also met with senior officials to discuss the security measures and the use of more than 100 radiation detection instruments loaned to the country by the IAEA.
During the opening session for the mission Murad Pashayev, Head of the State Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Activity Regulations of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, expressed gratitude to the IAEA for its ongoing assistance. “We reaffirm our commitment to further strengthening cooperation in the field of nuclear and radiation safety and security,” he added.
The IAEA’s support for Formula 1 builds on the assistance it provided to Azerbaijan for the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), held in Baku in November last year, and will also be provided for the Commonwealth of Independent States Games in November and the World Urban Forum in May 2026, both to be held in Azerbaijan. Similar support is being extended to Brazil, host of COP30 planned for November, and to Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the end of the year.
The IAEA’s programme of assistance for nuclear security at major public events (MPEs) is a cornerstone of countries’ efforts to secure large gatherings with nuclear security at all levels. In total, since 2004, the Agency has provided nuclear security training and equipment for 88 MPEs in 49 countries to assist in the readiness to counteract a potential threat.
“For the last two decades, the IAEA has been at the forefront of an effort to integrate nuclear security protocols into traditional security arrangements for MPEs – an effort ensuring the safety of millions,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security. “Behind the scenes of events such as Formula 1, there is a consistent approach recognizing nuclear security as a fundamental element of the overall security measures, before and during the actual events.”
Requests for support in the area of nuclear security have increased in recent years, as more countries embark on or expand nuclear power programmes. The IAEA established its Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre (NSTDC) – the world’s first international training centre dedicated to enhancing global nuclear security – in 2023 in Seibersdorf, Austria. The NSTDC offers a unique suite of training to experts from around the world, including on nuclear security measures for MPEs.