For one night, Tashkent became a focal point of world motorsport: Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc arrived in the city, and his visit immediately set the tone for an event the region had never seen before. Where people usually talk about flight schedules and baggage belts, team names were being mentioned, seasons and achievements were discussed, and the atmosphere felt more like the paddock before a Grand Prix — just without the roar of engines.
The Scuderia Driver's Arrival: An Official-Level Welcome
Charles Leclerc, one of Formula 1’s most recognizable drivers and a representative of Monaco, arrived in Tashkent and was welcomed at Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport. The reception was notably ceremonial: the guest was greeted by the leadership of the NOC, which immediately underscored the status of the visit and its importance not only for racing fans, but also for the country’s sports agenda.
FIA Awards in a New Region: Central Asia Hosts the Ceremony for the First Time
The main reason for the visit was the year-end awards ceremony — the FIA Awards — which this time took place in Tashkent. The event was held in Central Asia for the first time, and the very choice of venue looked like an important signal: the international federation and the motorsport community are expanding their geography, bringing new markets and new audiences into focus.
An Evening Where Teams and the Motorsport Elite Came Together
The ceremony brought together leading teams and representatives of world motorsport — people for whom a season is measured not only in points and trophies, but also in technical breakthroughs, strategic decisions, and the work of hundreds of specialists behind the scenes. That evening, Tashkent saw not the familiar race-day pace of Formula 1 on TV, but another side of it: ceremonial and representative, yet no less competitive — after all, FIA awards are always about recognizing the best in their field.
Why Leclerc's Visit Proved Symbolic
Leclerc’s appearance at such an event felt especially fitting: top-team drivers remain the face of Formula 1 — the ones who connect fans, technology, and emotion. His presence added media weight to the ceremony and drew attention from championship followers — from those who track every qualifying session to those who get into Formula 1 through standout personalities.
A New Benchmark for Tashkent and Regional Motorsport
Hosting the FIA Awards in Uzbekistan’s capital became a notable milestone: the city didn’t just stage a prestigious ceremony, it also demonstrated readiness to serve as a venue for international-level events. For the local audience, it was a rare chance to feel the “big circus” of Formula 1 up close — and to see how motorsport resonates not only on the track, but also in a format where achievements, discipline, and status take center stage.
