DUBAI: Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, has hailed Saudi Arabia’s role in cementing a long-term future for Formula 1 in the Middle East.
Looking forward to attending Sunday’s Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the fifth round of the 2025 championship at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Ben Sulayem said the Kingdom has made a major impact since its introduction in 2021.
“The race, and its spectacular venue in Jeddah, have added their own distinctive character and fascination to the sport’s global appeal, and reinforced the country’s status as a world-class location for motorsport,” he said.
“In recent years, the region’s engagement with Formula 1 has evolved from hosting races to fostering a passionate fan base and promoting inclusivity within the sport, something which is central to the FIA’s strategy for motorsport growth and development.
“The surge in F1 popularity in the Arab world has been particularly strong among younger demographics and female fans, especially in Saudi Arabia, where we see strong efforts to encourage the active involvement of young Saudis at all levels of motorsport.
“This is a process which is vital to ensure motorsport sustainability, and a long-term F1 future, in Saudi Arabia, and the Middle East as a whole.”
Ben Sulayem added: “We have not seen an F1 driver emerge from the region yet, but that may be a matter of time as more young candidates take to the track and the Arab world looks to play an increasingly influential role in F1, and the overall global motorsport landscape.”
In his fourth year since being elected as president of the FIA, the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organizations globally, Ben Sulayem has analyzed progress during his tenure, as well as the work that remains.
“The first three years were both busy and successful,” he said.
“Over 2,000 hours of consultation with clubs and members shaped the development of my 2021 manifesto, creating a clear vision and action plan for the future, which we are still working towards today.
“I remain committed to placing our members at the heart of the FIA and ensuring the federation is on the right track. Last year, we celebrated the FIA’s 120th anniversary, marked by hard work and key achievements.”
He added that financial reforms and “a sustainable model” led to a forecasted operational result of 2.2 million euros ($2.5 million), a “significant improvement” from the 24-million-euro deficit he inherited in 2021.
“Our ongoing efforts to enhance our operational and commercial strategies will see this trend continue.”
He added: “We have taken a knowledge-driven approach within the federation, promoting education and the sharing of information to create more career opportunities in motorsport.
“Last year, 13,500 individual courses were completed through the FIA University, and we delivered 70 motorsport safety research projects. By continuing to work together, we can ensure further success for the next century.”
