Ben Sulayem: Saudi Arabia key to long-term F1 future in Arab world
F1 NewsThursday, 17 April 2025 at 17:21
Ahead of this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised the country’s contribution to securing a long-term place for the Arab world in Formula 1.
Since joining the Formula 1 calendar in 2021, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has quickly become a fixture of Formula 1’s global expansion, with Ben Sulayem emphasising its growing impact across the region.
Ben Sulayem said: “The race, and its spectacular venue in Jeddah, have added their own distinctive character and fascination to the sport’s global appeal, and reinforced the country’s status as a world-class location for motorsport.”
He highlighted the transformation of the Middle East’s involvement in Formula 1 from merely hosting events to cultivating a passionate fan base and aligning with the FIA’s broader development goals.
“In recent years, the region's engagement with Formula 1 has evolved from hosting races to fostering a passionate fan base and promoting inclusivity within the sport, something which is central to the FIA’s strategy for motor sport growth and development,” said Ben Sulayem.
“The surge in F1 popularity in the Arab world has been particularly strong among younger demographics and female fans, especially in Saudi Arabia, where we see strong efforts to encourage the active involvement of young Saudis at all levels of motorsport," he revealed.
Ben Sulayem: A surge in popularity in Formula 1 throughout the Middle East
"This is a process which is vital to ensure motorsport sustainability, and a long-term F1 future, in Saudi Arabia, and the Middle East as a whole," predicts the 43-year-old Emirati, who also pointed to the future potential for the region to produce its own Formula 1 talent.
“We have not seen an F1 driver emerge from the region yet, but that may be a matter of time as more young candidates take to the track and the Arab world looks to play an increasingly influential role in F1, and the overall global motorsport landscape,” Ben Sulayem concluded.
This weekend marks the fifth running of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. Here's a short summary of the races so far:
- 2021: Hamilton wins chaotic inaugural race
The first Saudi Arabian GP saw red flags, clashes, and controversy as Lewis Hamilton beat Max Verstappen to level the championship. Bottas edged Ocon for third in a dramatic finish. - 2022: Verstappen edges Leclerc in thrilling battle
Verstappen narrowly beat Leclerc after multiple lead changes in a tense late-race duel. Sainz was third, while Hamilton managed only tenth after a tough weekend. - 2023: Pérez leads Red Bull one-two
Pérez won from pole with Verstappen charging from 15th to second. Alonso was reinstated to third post-race, celebrating his 100th podium as Red Bull dominated again. - 2024: Verstappen dominates, Bearman impresses
Verstappen won comfortably ahead of Pérez and Leclerc. Rookie Oliver Bearman starred on debut for Ferrari, finishing seventh after stepping in for the unwell Sainz.
(Source: Total Communications & GRANDPRIX247)
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