A Saudi Arabian-owned staff may quickly be on the playing cards primarily based on the expansion proven by Components 1, in keeping 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 monitor at Qiddiya at the moment underneath constructions. Aramco can also be a world accomplice of F1 alongside being the title accomplice of Aston Martin, the place there may be an possession stake at the moment up on the market as Aston Martin Lagonda seems to be 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 staff, or for a takeover of an present constructor.
“I imply, it may occur,” Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal mentioned. “It may occur quickly if you happen to see the expansion, to begin with. When you’re going to purchase a Components 1 staff, then folks will purchase it to earn money out of it, particularly if it’s going to be purchased by one of many PIF (Public Funding Fund) firms.
“So we see there may be quite a lot of [growth], now Components 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 sensible, then why not?
“No one dislikes earning money, so if you can also make cash out of Components 1, however I feel it’s very tough. It is advisable know precisely which staff to purchase and who to accomplice with and who will handle this.
“It’s very troublesome since you see Components 1 grew to become very aggressive and there’s quite a lot of modifications within the laws. We noticed [the change that] goes to return in 2026 and the talks about Components 1 going again to the V10 engines – naturally-aspirated engines – so the choice may be very troublesome.
“It’s not straightforward to say which staff to purchase and the way you’re going to handle it. However we now have quite a lot of curiosity. They’re sponsoring, we’re internet hosting a Components 1 race, we’re sponsoring groups, so I wouldn’t be stunned if we see an announcement for a Saudi staff.
“And personally, I want to see a Saudi staff, 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 best means and achieve success. So it’s a difficult query, however why not?”
Prince Khalid would additionally wish to see the longer term Qiddiya circuit be an extra race alongside the present occasion in Jeddah if potential, 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 completely different areas and two completely different markets. And Saudi Arabia, it’s a really massive market. However is it possible? And might we do two races given the sophisticated calendar?
“We all know that we now have a marketplace for it in Saudi Arabia, nevertheless it’s one thing that we haven’t considered. Let’s see what the demand can be once we transfer to Riyadh and perhaps talk about it as soon as we transfer to Riyadh and see if we will nonetheless preserve 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 massive nation. I imply, it could occur, however will it occur? It’s too early to debate this now.”
