Saudis’ Aston Martin F1 Stake Deepens Gulf’s Love of Racing

Fernando Alonso drives the Aston Martin F1 Team AMR25 Mercedes during the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar in November.Photographer: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images

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By Jamie Nimmo and Louise Moon

December 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM UTC

Updated on

December 4, 2025 at 1:25 PM UTC

After a thriller in Qatar, Formula One’s 2025 season has come down to the final race of the season this weekend in Abu Dhabi, where McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri — along with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen — will face a three-way battle for the drivers’ title.

A finale centered on the Middle East fits its growing influence in F1, as countries in the region ramp up their investments in the sport.