The Grand Prize of Saudi Arabia in Dschidda is now an integral part of the Formula 1 calendar. Tension has been guaranteed on the high -speed city course since 2021. The ambitions of the kingdom to leave foot traces in the F1 go far beyond its own Grand Prix, which was now confirmed by Prince Khalid bin Sultan al-Abdullah al-Faisal.
Saudi Arabia will soon be a team in the Formula 1 motorsport king class? The fact that this could happen, say words, the Prince Khalid bin Sultan al-Abdullah al-faisal chose.
“We are very interested. We organize races, we sponsor teams. So I would not be surprised if there was soon an announcement about a new team,” said the relative of the royal family.
And further: “We see that Formula 1 opens up new markets, the numbers are increasing worldwide, and we have seen the partnership with Aramco (Saudi oil company, d.Red.) And Aston Martin. All the signs indicate that Saudi Arabia could soon be involved in a team if it turns out to be meaningful and feasible.”
In the room there is obviously the takeover of a team, but of course you have to think carefully about “which team you buy, with whom you are together and who manages the whole thing. This decision is very difficult. It is not easy to say which team you should buy and how you want to lead it.”
Twelve teams are currently the maximum in Formula 1
Ten teams currently form the field of Formula 1, and from 2026 an eleventh racing team will start with Cadillac. A little room for the top would still exist. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed this in early 2023.
“The maximum is twelve teams,” said the 63-year-old in a media round in Riyadh as part of the Dakar Rally.
However, taking up a new team is a very complicated process that requires broad consent. The takeover or introduction to an existing racing team is easier.