Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Motorsport Federation, recently put words to whispers, stating plainly, "It could happen soon if you see the growth of the sport. If you are going to buy a Formula 1 team then people will buy it to make money out of it, especially if it's going to be bought by one of the PIF companies.” Herein lies a strategic insight—this isn't merely about passion or prestige, but a calculated business move underwritten by the vast resources of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Saudi Arabia has methodically deepened its roots in global motorsport. Aramco, the Saudi state-owned oil giant, already maintains a heavyweight presence as an F1 global partner and sponsor of Aston Martin. Additionally, PIF’s recent history includes substantial stakes in Aston Martin Lagonda and McLaren Group. Each investment has been strategic—carefully placed steps leading towards potentially controlling a marquee sporting entity outright.
The real question now is not whether Saudi Arabia has the financial firepower or strategic foresight—both are unquestionably present—but rather how and when this might materialize. Current F1 teams exist within a closed ecosystem where new entrants face substantial financial barriers and intricate political maneuvering. Yet, teams like Alpine, Aston Martin, or even Haas might present viable acquisition opportunities should their current ownership structures shift or if financial conditions dictate.
There is precedence in the region. Gulf states have already effectively taken control or influence over major sporting properties globally. Qatar, for instance, secured a significant stake in Audi’s upcoming F1 entry, while Bahrain's sovereign fund holds substantial influence within McLaren Racing. Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala and CYVN Holdings further illustrate regional ambitions towards controlling motorsport assets. Saudi Arabia is not merely joining the party—it’s aiming to surpass its neighbours with a grander vision of ownership and control.
The challenge, of course, is multidimensional. Prince Khalid openly acknowledged this complexity: "It's not easy to say which team will be available or when. There’s a balance between ambition and pragmatism.” This balance requires not only significant financial commitment but also technical expertise and a nuanced understanding of the sport’s deeply political and commercial landscape. Previous newcomers, like Haas or the short-lived Manor Racing, provide cautionary tales about the unforgiving realities of Formula 1. A lavish bank account alone does not guarantee success or longevity.
Moreover, Formula 1 is rapidly evolving. Liberty Media’s transformation of the sport has not only boosted its global appeal but has simultaneously raised the stakes significantly. The cost cap era, initiated to foster competition and sustainability, ironically increases the appeal for new, deep-pocketed entrants. The constraints on expenditure mean strategic investment is now more critical—and arguably more rewarding—than ever.
The Saudi strategy also aligns seamlessly with Formula 1’s own ambitions for deeper engagement with the Middle East market, where Nielsen Sports recently identified one of the fastest-growing fan bases globally, notably among younger demographics and female audiences. This engagement goes beyond traditional metrics, tapping into a broader narrative of social modernization within the Kingdom.
Indeed, Saudi Arabia’s investment in motorsport is also about domestic transformation. Farah AlYousef’s inclusion as a wildcard in the F1 Academy at Jeddah symbolises this dual approach. AlYousef herself encapsulated this, saying, “I hope my participation inspires young girls across Saudi Arabia to believe in themselves and chase their dreams.” This isn't purely sentimental or symbolic—it is a strategic alignment of sports diplomacy and social change.
The Kingdom's approach appears calculated, patient, and above all, pragmatic. It will likely not dive recklessly into ownership without meticulous preparation, including ensuring it has both the technical partners and management structures in place to succeed. The recent investments into motorsport infrastructure within Saudi Arabia also speak volumes about its long-term ambitions.
Ultimately, the prospect of a Saudi-owned F1 team seems increasingly likely, particularly as other Gulf nations continue expanding their motorsport portfolios. The question now is less about whether Saudi Arabia can enter Formula 1 ownership, and more about the strategic timing and structure of that entry. A full-fledged Saudi team, whether built from scratch or acquired through existing franchises, would undeniably reshape the sport’s geopolitical landscape.
For Formula 1 itself, such an ownership shift would mean further cementing the sport’s future in the Middle East—a region clearly positioned as central to its global strategy. But for Saudi Arabia, it could represent something even larger: a powerful statement of international influence, and a compelling symbol of its broader ambitions. Only time will tell if this ambition translates into a winning formula or if it will become a costly misstep, but one thing is certain—the wheels are already in motion.
