Saudi Arabia hints at one day buying an F1 team

Saudi Arabia is open to purchasing a Formulation 1 staff as Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal has admitted it’s one thing he wish to see sooner or later.

The Center Jap nation has invested closely in motorsport partnerships in recent times with Aramco and Maaden each sponsors of the Aston Martin F1 staff and the Public Funding Fund working with Formulation E.

This weekend sees F1 return to Jeddah, the place there may also little question be loads of speak over the track currently under construction in the new city of Qiddiya, which is predicted to take over working of Saudi Arabia’s grand prix as soon as operational.

However now the very actual prospect of a Saudi-owned staff might see the nation transfer even deeper into investing in F1, with Prince Khalid eager on the thought in precept – even when he concedes it might be a “tough” step.

“There’s a area obtainable,” he replied when the notion of a Saudi – or PIF-led – squad was put to him on a current name with reporters, together with Autosport.

“There are solely 11 out of 12 and likewise doubtlessly one or two groups that is perhaps on the market sooner or later. I imply, it might occur.

“When you see the expansion, to start with. If you are going to purchase a Formulation 1 staff, then individuals will purchase it to generate profits out of it, particularly if it may be purchased by one of many PIF firms.

“So we see there’s quite a lot of Formulation 1 now reaching new markets, the gross sales are globally rising, and we noticed the partnership with Aramco and Aston Martin.

“All instructions say that perhaps quickly Saudi can, in the event that they see if it is possible, if it is sensible, then why not? No person dislikes being profitable. So if you may make cash out of Formulation 1 – I feel it is very difficult. It’s essential know precisely which staff to purchase and who to companion with and who will handle this.

“The choice may be very tough. It isn’t straightforward to say which staff to purchase and the way you are going to handle it. However we’ve quite a lot of curiosity; we’re internet hosting Formulation 1, sponsoring groups. So I would not be stunned if we see an announcement for a Saudi staff and personally, I wish to see a Saudi staff.

“But when I am in Saudi Arabia or one of many Saudi firms might be concerned in one of many groups, I would love them, I imply, to do it the correct method and achieve success. So it is a difficult query, however why not?”

Prince Khalid additionally spoke about Saudi Arabia’s place on the F1 calendar, having hosted the second race final 12 months following on from the season-opener in Bahrain. The 2 grands prix have been moved to the third and fourth spots this time round in order to not conflict with Ramadan.

Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing RB20, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-24, Sergio Perez, Crimson Bull Racing RB20, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin AMR24, Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL38, the remainder of the sector in the beginning

Photograph by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Pictures

The 2026 calendar has but to be signed off and made public, however Saudi can be eager to ultimately turn into the primary spherical of the championship, bringing larger publicity and esteem to the race.

“That is one thing that we wish to have,” stated Prince Khalid. “However I do know that Formulation 1, they’ve commitments.

“For them, perhaps generally it is simpler for Bahrain to be the opening season due to the testing. So there’s quite a lot of issues that you just contemplate. However for us, we wish to have the primary race.

“It is the climate. We now have a really quick hole. Both it may be on the finish of the season, which some individuals do not prefer it to be on the finish of. If it is in the midst of the season, it is too scorching.

“In order that’s why we determined…and we all know that Qatar and Abu Dhabi, they’re on the finish of the season.

“So the one possibility we’ve is with Bahrain and for us, we’re tremendous (with that). We wish to be initially of the season. Subsequent 12 months, ideally for us, is to start with of the season. Possibly race one or race two. That is the perfect scenario for us and our climate right here.

“Even when it comes to gross sales, for us right here in Saudi, the start of the season, it is higher for us. Individuals are extra excited. As I stated, domination would not assist the championship, however hopefully issues will change this 12 months and subsequent 12 months.”