Mohammed ben Sulayem: First Bahrain GP 'paved the way' for other Gulf countries to follow in F1

Bahrain was the first country in the Middle East to host an F1 race in 2004, with Abu Dhabi added to the calendar in 2009 followed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia in 2021

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says the Middle East’s four Grand Prix races have combined to make a big impact on F1. Photo: FIA

Mohammed ben Sulayem has hailed the importance the Middle East plays in the continued evolution of Formula One ahead of the Bahrain-Saudi Arabian Grand Prix double-header.

Bahrain will on Sunday host its 21st Formula One Grand Prix after it became the first country in the Middle East to host a race in 2004. Abu Dhabi was added to the calendar in 2009, followed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia in 2021 as motorsport's premier racing series expanded beyond its traditional heartlands.

Reflecting on the Middle East’s growing footprint in F1, Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, said: "The Arab world plays a very important part in the championship’s calendar."

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Abu Dhabi – each race, each venue is more than just a destination. They are more than mere locations pinned on a global calendar. They are points of inflection in the sport's arc, according to Ben Sulayem.

It’s been 21 years since Bahrain first signaled the Middle East’s arrival on the F1 stage, and with that, the sport shifted. Ben Sulayem acknowledged that Bahrain wasn’t just the first – it was the spark.

“The event’s success paved the way for its neighbouring countries to follow in its footsteps, and invest in the top level of motorsport,” he added.

“During this time, the region's engagement with F1 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.”

2024 Bahrain GP in pictures

Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium after winning the Bahrain Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit on March 2, 2024. Getty Images

Race winner Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing celebrates after his victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix. Getty Images

Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen takes the chequered flag at Bahrain International Circuit. EPA

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner with his wife Geri after Max Verstappen's victory. PA

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing makes a pit stop. Getty Images

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing leads Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. Getty Images

George Russell of Mercedes and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari battle. Getty Images

Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen leads the pack at the start of the race. EPA

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner before the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix. AFP

Ben Sulayem, a rally driver of distinction during his own driving career, was elected head of motorsport's governing body in December 2021.

Looking back on his own leadership, the Emirati is measured in his reflection. There’s a quiet satisfaction in his recounting of the progress – 2,000 hours of consultation, a manifesto laid out, a vision that continues to unfold. The FIA, under his guidance, is slowly but surely transforming into something that marries financial reform with sustainability, education with opportunity.

“Last year, we celebrated the FIA’s 120th anniversary, marked by hard work and key achievements. Financial reforms and a sustainable model led to a forecasted operational result of €2.2 million, a significant improvement from the €24 million deficit I inherited in 2021. Our ongoing efforts to enhance our operational and commercial strategies will see this trend continue.

“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.

“It was a privilege to lead the FIA during such a significant milestone last year, marking over a century of innovation and progress.

“By continuing to work together,” Ben Sulayem adds, “we can ensure further success for the next century.”

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Liberty Media president and chief executive officer Greg Maffei, and Ferrari chairman John Elkann talk on the grid ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at the Miami International Autodrome on May 08, 2022 in Miami, Florida. AFP

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem on the grid before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on June 12, 2022. Reuters

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, right, speaks with Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner prior to first practice at the Italian Grand Prix, Monza on September 9, 2022. EPA

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem arrives before the third practice session ahead of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit on November 19, 2022. AFP

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, right, speaks with Mohammed Ben Sulayem, ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 17, 2022. AP Photo

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA presents a medal to Max Verstappen, winner of the 2022 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, on November 20, 2022. AP Photo

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem on the grid before the Azerbaijan GP on June 12, 2022. Reuters

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl talks with Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the paddock prior to final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 11, 2022. Getty Images

Khalid bin Faisal Al Saud, governor of Makkah, talks with Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 27, 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Getty Images

Mohammed Ben Sulayem poses for a photo prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 20, 2022. Getty Images

Bahrain will also see a meeting of F1's engine manufacturers with the FIA and F1 to discuss Ben Sulayem's plan to drop the new 2026 engine formula before its planned end in 2031 and re-introduce naturally aspirated V10 engines.

The FIA wants to prevent engines being a performance differentiator in F1, though the plan is expected to be rejected by manufacturers.

Under F1's governance system, the plan needs to be backed by four of the five engine manufacturers that will be in F1 next year, which are Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, Audi and Red Bull Powertrains, which is backed by Ford.