- Saudi Arabia has shown growing interest in owning a Formula One team.
- The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has stakes in McLaren and Aston Martin.
- The sport’s rising popularity in the Middle East, especially among younger fans, makes team ownership a strategic move.
Saudi Arabia’s involvement in Formula One is set to expand, with team ownership potentially on the horizon. As the Kingdom continues hosting races and sponsoring teams, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has already shown its interest through investments in McLaren. Additionally, it has a stake in Aston Martin.
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah al-Faisal emphasized that the PIF could drive the push for a Saudi-owned Formula One team. He noted that the investment is not only about prestige but also about profit.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambition to Own an F1 Team: A Game-Changer for Motorsport
Saudi Arabia’s Formula One involvement began in 2021 with the hosting of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. It was quickly followed by the country’s increasing sponsorship roles, notably through Aramco’s partnership with Aston Martin. The growing interest in motorsport in the Kingdom, coupled with rising viewership in the Middle East, positions Saudi Arabia to take the next step—becoming team owners.
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, hinted that F1 team ownership is a real possibility. He noted that the PIF’s involvement in teams like McLaren and Aston Martin through stakes demonstrates their active presence in F1. This could set the stage for Saudi Arabia to make an even larger mark in the sport.
The financial growth and rising fan engagement in the Middle East make it an appealing market for team ownership. Saudi Arabia’s investment strategy goes beyond just the races, aiming to shape the future of the sport. As F1 continues to attract new global audiences, having a Saudi-owned team could elevate the Kingdom’s role even further in the motorsport world.
Middle Eastern nations have made significant investments in Formula One teams. Countries like Qatar, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi all hold shares in major teams. Saudi Arabia could join this exclusive group, capitalizing on the booming popularity of F1 in the region. With the PIF’s deep pockets and long-term vision, the entry of a Saudi-owned F1 team may be closer than anticipated.
Saudi Arabia’s potential move into F1 team ownership could signal a new era for the sport. It would enhance the Kingdom’s influence and further integrate the Middle East into Formula One’s future.
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah al-Faisal said, “If Saudi Arabia or one of the Saudi companies will be involved in one of the teams, I would like them to do it the right way and be successful.”
