A Saudi Arabian-owned workforce might quickly be on the playing cards based mostly on the expansion proven by Method 1, in line with the chairman of the nation’s motorsports federation.
Saudi affect in F1 has elevated markedly lately, with the grand prix in Jeddah becoming a member of the calendar in 2021, and a brand new observe at Qiddiya presently underneath constructions. Aramco can be a worldwide accomplice of F1 alongside being the title accomplice of Aston Martin, the place there’s an possession stake presently up on the market as Aston Martin Lagonda appears to dump its shareholding.
Given the truth that most up-to-date Concorde Settlement permits for 12 groups, and Cadillac’s entry in 2026 will take the quantity as much as 11, then there’s a slot on the grid for a brand new workforce, or for a takeover of an present constructor.
“I imply, it might occur,” Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal stated. “It might occur quickly for those who see the expansion, initially. When you’re going to purchase a Method 1 workforce, then folks will purchase it to generate income out of it, particularly if it’s going to be purchased by one of many PIF (Public Funding Fund) firms.
“So we see there’s a number of [growth], now Method 1 is reaching new markets, the gross sales are globally rising. We noticed the partnership with Aramco and Aston Martin. So, all instructions say that perhaps quickly Saudi can, in the event that they see if it’s possible, if it is smart, then why not?
“No one dislikes making a living, so if you can also make cash out of Method 1, however I feel it’s very difficult. You should know precisely which workforce to purchase and who to accomplice with and who will handle this.
“It’s very troublesome since you see Method 1 grew to become very aggressive and there’s a number of adjustments within the laws. We noticed [the change that] goes to return in 2026 and the talks about Method 1 going again to the V10 engines – naturally-aspirated engines – so the choice could be very troublesome.
“It’s not straightforward to say which workforce to purchase and the way you’re going to handle it. However we now have a number of curiosity. They’re sponsoring, we’re internet hosting a Method 1 race, we’re sponsoring groups, so I wouldn’t be shocked if we see an announcement for a Saudi workforce.
“And personally, I want to see a Saudi workforce, but when Saudi Arabia, or one of many Saudi firms can be concerned in one of many groups, I would love them to do it the fitting method and achieve success. So it’s a tough query, however why not?”
Prince Khalid would additionally wish to see the longer term Qiddiya circuit be an extra race alongside the prevailing occasion in Jeddah if attainable, however says no discussions have been held with F1 on that entrance, with the unique plan to maneuver the Saudi Arabian race to the brand new venue exterior Riyadh.
“Saudi Arabia as a rustic, we want to host two races. Jeddah and Riyadh, they’re two totally different areas and two totally different markets. And Saudi Arabia, it’s a really huge market. However is it possible? And might we do two races given the difficult calendar?
“We all know that we now have a marketplace for it in Saudi Arabia, nevertheless it’s one thing that we haven’t thought of. Let’s see what the demand can be after we transfer to Riyadh and perhaps focus on it as soon as we transfer to Riyadh and see if we are able to nonetheless keep to have two races, which I actually doubt that… All of the groups, everyone’s complaining about [the number of races], and we now have already 4 races within the Center East.
“However, personally, I want to see two races in Saudi. We all know that america have three races after Las Vegas was launched. Saudi Arabia is a really huge nation. I imply, it will probably occur, however will it occur? It’s too early to debate this now.”
