The Fast and the Furious – Formula 1 in the Gulf Region
In: Hans Erik Næss, Simon Chadwick Eds, 2023, The Future of Motorsports, : Routledge
Abstract
Formula 1 has deep European traditions, though, over the last two decades, these have been eroding. Globalisation has led to shifts in where races are staged, where sponsors are from and who owns teams. The Gulf region has been one place where major changes are evident. Following the staging of the first Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004, three more races (in Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar) have been added to the calendar. In addition, the likes of Saudi Aramco have become sponsors, and Abu Dhabi now hosts the Ferrari World theme park. This focus on F1 is driven by state-led strategies aimed at securing multiple outcomes for each country. This chapter examines the reasons why the Gulf region is now a major stakeholder in F1, what this involves, and what issues and challenges are posed by developments. It concludes by highlighting future research opportunities.