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Saudi Arabia can be open to purchasing a Method 1 group as Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal admitted it’s one thing he wish to see sooner or later.
The nation has invested closely in motorsports partnerships lately with Aramco and Maaden each sponsors of the Aston Martin F1 group and the Public Funding Fund working with Method E.
Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Car and Bike Federation (SAMF)
Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Car and Bike Federation (SAMF)Carl Bingham / Motorsport Photographs
Carl Bingham / Motorsport Photographs
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“For those who see the expansion, to begin with. If you are going to purchase a Method 1 group, then individuals will purchase it to make cash out of it, particularly if it’ll be purchased by one of many PIF firms.
“So we see there may be a whole lot of Method 1 now reaching new markets, the gross sales are globally growing, and we noticed the partnership with Aramco and Austin Martin.
“All instructions say that perhaps quickly Saudi can, in the event that they see if it is possible, if it is sensible, then why not? I imply, no person dislikes getting cash. So if you may make cash out of Method 1 – I feel it’s extremely tough. That you must know precisely which group to purchase and who to companion with and who will handle this.
“The choice may be very tough. It isn’t straightforward to say which group to purchase and the way you are going to handle it. However we have now a whole lot of curiosity; we’re internet hosting Method 1, sponsoring groups. So I would not be stunned if we see an announcement for a Saudi group and personally, I wish to see a Saudi group.
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“But when I am in Saudi Arabia or one of many Saudi firms can be concerned in one of many groups, I would love them, I imply, to do it the correct approach and achieve success. So it is a tough query, however why not?”
Prince Khalid additionally spoke about Saudi Arabia’s place on the F1 calendar, having hosted the second race final yr following on from the season-opener in Bahrain. The 2 grands prix had been moved to the third and fourth spots this time round in order to not conflict with Ramadan.
Max Verstappen, Purple Bull Racing RB20, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-24, Sergio Perez, Purple Bull Racing RB20, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin AMR24, Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL38, the remainder of the sector at the beginning
Max Verstappen, Purple Bull Racing RB20, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-24, Sergio Perez, Purple Bull Racing RB20, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin AMR24, Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL38, the remainder of the sector on the startMark Sutton / Motorsport Photographs
Mark Sutton / Motorsport Photographs
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The 2026 calendar has but to be signed off and made public, however Saudi can be eager to finally change into the primary spherical of the championship, bringing better publicity and esteem to the race.
“That is one thing that we wish to have,” mentioned Prince Khalid.
“However I do know that Method 1, they’ve commitments. For them, perhaps generally it is simpler for Bahrain to be the opening season due to the testing. So there’s a whole lot of issues that you simply take into account. However for us, we wish to have the primary race.
“It is the climate. We’ve a really brief hole. Both it’ll be on the finish of the season, which some individuals do not prefer it to be on the finish of. If it is in the course of the season, it is too sizzling. In order that’s why we determined…and we all know that Qatar and Abu Dhabi, they’re on the finish of the season.
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“So the one possibility we have now is with Bahrain and for us, we’re positive (with that). We wish to be firstly of the season. Subsequent yr, ideally for us, is to start with of the season. Possibly race one or race two. That is the perfect state of affairs for us and our climate right here.
“Even when it comes to gross sales, for us right here in Saudi, the start of the season, it is higher for us. Individuals are extra excited. As I mentioned, domination does not assist the championship, however hopefully issues will change this yr and subsequent yr.”
