Prince Khalid Hints at Potential Saudi-Owned Formula 1 Team Amid Growing Investment

Speaking directly to reporters, Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal — chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Automobile and Motorcycle Federation — indicated the possibility of his country owning a Formula 1 team.

“It could happen, it could happen soon if you see the growth of this sport,” says Prince Khalid.

Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a serious commitment to Formula 1 — the country has been hosting races for the past four years, while energy giant Aramco serves as a global partner and the main sponsor of the Aston Martin team.

The kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) currently holds several significant investments in Formula 1:

• Shareholding in McLaren

• A 20.5% stake in Aston Martin car manufacturer

• Sponsorship partnerships through various affiliated companies

The Middle East more broadly plays an increasingly vital role in Formula 1:

• The Qatar Investment Authority holds shares in the Audi team

• Bahrain’s Mumtalakat is the major shareholder in McLaren

• Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings recently acquired a stake in McLaren Automotive

“Personally, I would like to see a Saudi team. But if Saudi Arabia or one of the Saudi companies will be involved in one of the teams, I would like them to do it the right way and be successful,” adds Prince Khalid.

With Formula 1 team valuations on the rise and Cadillac set to join as the 11th team next year, the prospect of a Saudi-owned F1 team appears increasingly feasible.