A Saudi Arabian-owned group may quickly be on the playing cards based mostly on the expansion proven by Method 1, in accordance 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 present below constructions. Aramco can be a worldwide associate of F1 alongside being the title associate of Aston Martin, the place there may be an possession stake at present up on the market as Aston Martin Lagonda appears to be like 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 group, or for a takeover of an present constructor.
“I imply, it may occur,” Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal stated. “It may occur quickly for those who see the expansion, initially. If you happen to’re going to purchase a Method 1 group, then individuals will purchase it to make cash 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 plenty 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 sensible, then why not?
“No one dislikes getting cash, so if you may make cash out of Method 1, however I feel it’s very difficult. You want to know precisely which group to purchase and who to associate with and who will handle this.
“It’s very tough since you see Method 1 grew to become very aggressive and there’s plenty of adjustments within the rules. 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 may be very tough.
“It’s not simple to say which group to purchase and the way you’re going to handle it. However we have now plenty 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 group.
“And personally, I wish to see a Saudi group, but when Saudi Arabia, or one of many Saudi firms will probably be concerned in one of many groups, I would really like them to do it the best means and achieve success. So it’s a tough query, however why not?”
Prince Khalid would additionally prefer to see the long run 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 outdoors Riyadh.
“Saudi Arabia as a rustic, we wish 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 may we do two races given the difficult calendar?
“We all know that we have now a marketplace for it in Saudi Arabia, but it surely’s one thing that we haven’t thought of. Let’s see what the demand will probably be once we transfer to Riyadh and perhaps focus on it as soon as we transfer to Riyadh and see if we are able to nonetheless preserve to have two races, which I actually doubt that… All of the groups, all people’s complaining about [the number of races], and we have now already 4 races within the Center East.
“However, personally, I wish 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 could actually occur, however will it occur? It’s too early to debate this now.”
