FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has revealed his national pride as the drivers’ title race reaches a thrilling climax this weekend in Abu Dhabi for the FIA Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Grand Prix on Sunday.
With Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri all going into a tense championship decider at the Yas Marina Circuit, there is a sure sense of pride for Emirati motorsport legend Ben Sulayem that his home country’s place in F1 will be paraded to such a large international audience.
“The UAE authorities have been generous hosts to motorsport over many years, with visionary events that have forged strong links between the Emirates and global sporting world, drawing competitors and spectators from around the world,” said Ben Sulayem.
“As an Emirati, I am proud of what my country has accomplished in motorsport, and the influence it has gained through F1 with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As FIA President, I am fully committed to supporting the steady activity in the Emirates in aspiring towards their ambitious goals of further enhancing its position as a global motorsport hub.”
The FIA President adds Abu Dhabi’s status as a key impact in F1 is indicative of the Middle East flexing its muscles right now, with Bahrain hosting – and Qatar set to host – races here, in a region that has become important for the World Championship circuit.
A renowned motorsport destination for over three decades following the country’s first Grand Prix in 2009, Yas Marina Circuit’s successful bid to stage the finale presented a fresh challenge.
More than 700 marshals were required, compared to the 150 put in place for a big rally. A team, many of them Emiratis and known for their enthusiasm, were recruited and trained from then on in the UK’s shadow until there were enough to allow a UAE-based presence.
“This was crucial to enable the Grand Prix to establish itself as self-sustaining and sustainable, an element that is so key on a worldwide level, and fundamental to the FIA’s motorsport growth and development push,” says Ben Sulayem.
Moving forward, the FIA President feels that the future of F1 has never looked brighter with Cadillac joining as an 11th team next season, Madrid signing up to be a new Grand Prix venue and new FIA regulations poised to bring lighter, more nimble touring cars running on sustainable fuel signalling the beginning of a new chapter in the experience.
You can argue a lot of things about Abu Dhabi but from an FIA viewpoint, it is the classic case of what the governing body wants in an F1-hosting venue – a firm local commitment to spend money, not just on a race track (clearly essential) but also on infrastructure and services which are crucial if the event is going to be profitable.
“We have demonstrated through a strategic investment in developing world class sporting infrastructure, Yas Marina circuit in particular that UAE is offing more than travel and tourism it is attractive for investment and as an interesting country to live and work,” added Ben Sulayem.
That investment saw the Yas Marina Circuit gaining a reputation as one of F1’s most luxurious race venues; while a multimillion-dirham upgrade has culminated in creating one of the most state-of-the-art race control rooms.
On Sunday during the Grand Prix, race officials will watch 55 camera feeds at once along with timing screens, the race log and car trackers — and it could be crucial in a drivers’ title battle that is as open-ended as this one.