FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has praised the increasing influence of the Middle East on Formula 1, citing the region’s evolution from hosting races to being a hotbed of motorsport passion. With the countdown underway for two of the F1 region’s biggest races in the Gulf, the focus is on how the Middle East has welcomed the sport like never before.
Talking before the region’s double-header this weekend, Ben Sulayem highlighted the growth in domestic fan interest and world-class infrastructure development. Tracks in nations such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE now take center stage on the F1 calendar, reflecting the region’s commitment to international motorsport excellence.
The FIA president noted that beneath the glamour of race weekends, programs in driver development, sustainability, and grassroots outreach are creating a long-term culture of motorsport. “It’s not about the show,” he explained, “it’s about creating a legacy.”
With historic attendance numbers and sweeping regional investments, the Middle East is no longer a bystander—it’s leading the charge in Formula 1’s future. Fans and investors alike are ready to witness electrifying races and long-term investments into the sport.
