FIA World Endurance Championship front-runners Malthe Jakobsen and Yifei Ye have been announced as ambassadors for the 2026 edition of the governing body’s global Smart Driving Challenge (FIA SDC).
Joining nine fellow professional drivers from a variety of disciplines within the sport, Team Peugeot TotalEnergies ace Jakobsen and AF Corse star Ye will share their experience and expertise from the international pinnacle of endurance racing, leading teams of everyday motorists with the goal of improving road safety and reducing environmental impact – while competing to be named the World’s Smartest Driver.
Now in its eighth year, the FIA SDC is a challenge that rewards intelligent, safe and eco-friendly driving. Powered by Greater Than’s AI technology, participants simply download the FIA SDC app and connect to their car via Bluetooth. The app then does the rest – measuring safety and sustainability performance, while providing motorists with scores and feedback to support lasting behaviour change.
Entrants can now join their selected ambassador’s team via the app, to gain access to exclusive content and insights from their driver of choice, as well as key stats on their individual and team performance.
“I’m very happy to be part of this initiative,” commented FIA WEC’s newest pole-sitter Jakobsen, who claimed the top spot in the Hypercar Hyperpole session at Spa-Francorchamps last weekend. “It’s important to raise awareness about safety. With the FIA SDC app, you can also measure and improve your own driving skills, so it adds a competitive angle in terms of being more fuel-efficient on the road.”
“Safety and sustainability are essential – both on and off the track,” echoed Ferrari factory driver Ye, the most recent winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 11 months ago. “I am proud to join the FIA Smart Driving Challenge ambassador programme, to help road users to make a difference wherever they drive, travel or commute.”
Last year, motorists from 97 countries took part in the FIA SDC, with an average reduction in battery usage or CO2 emissions of 9% – increasing to almost 30% for the winner. Throughout the season, participants also drove with a 37.5% lower risk level than the average driver.
Building upon that momentum, the 2026 edition of the competition will run until December, featuring seven heats. The top 20 contenders will qualify for the Playoffs, bidding for two places in the live, head-to-head Grand Final. The winner will be crowned the World’s Smartest Driver.
“The FIA Smart Driving Challenge is unique in uniting everyday drivers with leading figures from the world of motorsport to help deliver safer, more sustainable mobility worldwide,” summarised Willem Groenewald, FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility, Sustainability and Tourism. “By combining the latest AI technology with the expertise of elite drivers, this challenge empowers individuals to turn small changes behind the wheel into a big difference on the road.”
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