Saudi Arabia is eyeing a stable project in Formula 1

For the fifth time already, Formula 1 goes this week to Djeddah for the Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia. The largest country in the Middle East seeks to increase its influence in the championship over the years, which is also reflected in the involvement of Aramco, in particular as a title of Aston Martin, or by the construction of an ultra-modern circuit in Qiddiya.

What will be the next step? Holding a stable could be an option, which Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al-Abdullah al-Faisal, president of the Saudi Federation said, while being aware of the difficulty of such a project.

“There is an available place”he observes. “There are only 11 out of 12 stables, and also one or two teams that could potentially be for sale in the future. It could be done, above all if growth is there. If you buy a stable, it is to earn money, especially if it is acquired by a PIF company (the Saudi public investment fund).”

“We note that Formula 1 affects many new markets, that sales are increasing on a global scale, and there is also the partnership between Aramco and Aston Martin. Everything indicates that Saudi Arabia can soon do so, if it makes sense, so why not? No one hates to earn money. Earning Formula 1 is very complicated. You have to know exactly what to buy it.

“The decision is very difficult to make. It is not easy to say which stable to buy and how to manage it. But we are gaining a lot of interest: we welcome Formula 1, we sponsor stables. So I would not be surprised if there was the announcement of a Saudi stable and, personally, I would like to see that. But I would like Saudi Arabia or a Saudi business. not ?”

Saudi Arabia would like a Grand Prix of Opening

Prince Khalid Bin Sultan al-Abdullah al-Faisal also spoke of the calendar of the Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia. Fifth round this season, the event would like to have the opportunity to open the championship in order to benefit from a larger media exhibition, but the constraints are numerous.

“It’s something we would like”he admits. “But I know that Formula 1 has its own commitments. For them, it may sometimes be easier to open the season in Bahrain, due to winter trials. There are a lot to take into account. But we would like to have the first Grand Prix.”

The organizers must also take into account weather conditions, as well as Ramadan dates, thus leaving few options. In 2021, the first edition had taken place at the very end of the year but since 2022, the Grand Prix disputed in Djeddah has been taking place at the start of the season.

Interview by Mark Mann-Bryans