More young contenders are beginning to make their mark in Middle East, F1 boss Sulayem says

Dubai: The growth of motorsport in the Middle East over the past two decades has been nothing short of remarkable. With four Formula 1 Grands Prix now hosted in the region — Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia — interest in the sport has surged, building a passionate fan base and creating new opportunities for regional talent.

The focus is now shifting toward developing young drivers from the Middle East, a move FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes is heading in the right direction.

“While we’ve yet to see a Formula 1 driver emerge from the Middle East, that could soon change,” he told Gulf News. “More young contenders are beginning to make their mark, and the region is eager to play a larger role in Formula 1 and the global motorsport scene.”

It has been 21 years since the Bahrain Grand Prix brought Formula 1 to the Middle East, paving the way for Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to follow suit. Since then, the region’s role has evolved — from simply hosting races to cultivating a loyal fan base and driving inclusivity, two of the FIA’s key pillars for global motorsport development.

“F1’s popularity has skyrocketed across the Arab world, especially among youth and female fans,” Sulayem noted. “In Saudi Arabia, for instance, major efforts are being made to bring young Saudis into the sport at all levels. The same is true in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE. This is vital to ensuring the long-term sustainability of motorsport and maintaining a lasting F1 presence in the region.”

Sulayem also praised the progress being made in Asia, citing Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda as a promising young driver for Red Bull Racing. “He’s one to watch. Japan is producing a new wave of talent, further cementing its status as a global motorsport hub and pointing toward more future F1 stars.”

To support young drivers globally, the FIA has launched several initiatives aimed at making motorsport more accessible. “Last year, we introduced the Affordable Cross Car programme to lower the cost of entry into grassroots off-road rallying,” Sulayem explained. “We have high hopes that this will deliver results around the world. In the Middle East, it gives young enthusiasts a real chance—especially when they can look up to Arab rally legends like Nasser Al Attiyah and Yazeed Al Rajhi, who reached the top through FIA championships.”

Sulayem emphasised the broader impact of Formula 1, saying: “F1’s growing influence is helping us meet our goal of doubling global motorsport participation. Initiatives like the Global Karting Plan and the Young Drivers Development Pathway with Anthony Hamilton are critical to this mission. They ensure that talented young drivers — regardless of background—have a genuine shot at success.”

He added that the current era of Formula 1 is among the most exciting in the sport’s history. “The level of competition this year is incredible. As a former driver, I can tell you the race is everything — and it's thrilling to watch the skill and hunger of Verstappen and so many other brilliant drivers on today’s grid.”