With Formula 1's global viewership hitting 1.6 billion and a fanbase of 826.5 million people worldwide [1], Saudi Arabia has positioned itself at the center of this explosive growth. If you're ready to accelerate your career beyond conventional boundaries, here's why motorsports could be your strategic advantage. 

The numbers that prove this isn't just hype 

The global motorsports market is experiencing unprecedented growth, expanding at a 7% compound annual growth rate [1]. But here's where it gets interesting for career-focused professionals: Saudi Arabia has invested $6 billion in sports since 2021 [1], with major motorsports infrastructure investments including the Jeddah Corniche Circuit and the $480 million Qiddiya Speed Park [1]. 

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has made strategic motorsports acquisitions that signal long-term commitment: they own 5% of Formula E ($6.9 million investment), 55% of Extreme E ($54.5 million), and secured the F1 contract for $650 million over 10 years [1]. This isn't speculative investment – it's systematic industry building that requires substantial human capital. 

Currently, the MENA region hosts 4 of 24 Formula 1 races on the 2025 calendar [1], with 73% of UAE youth seeking more motorsports events [1]. The appetite is proven, the infrastructure is being built, and the talent pipeline needs to be filled. 

The career tracks no one is telling you about (yet)

Engineering & manufacturing excellence

Modern motorsports operates on cutting-edge technology that translates across industries. Teams now use 300 sensors per car for telemetry [1], AI-driven decision making for racing strategy and maintenance [1], and 3D printing for lightweight, rapid component design [1]. These technological demands create roles for professionals with backgrounds in mechanical, aeronautical, and electrical engineering [2]. 

While the UK's established Motorsport Valley employs approximately 40,000 people [2], Saudi Arabia is actively building its own talent pipeline through strategic programs. The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation launched the "Saudi Next Gen Program" in January 2025, designed to nurture and develop Saudi talent in motorsports [3]. 

Technology & data revolution

The convergence of motorsports and technology creates unique career opportunities that didn’t exist five years ago. Teams now employ GenAI for live race insights [1], use AI-based advertisement placement [1], and operate hyperconnected operations via IoT and real-time data [1]. 

Emerging technical roles:

• AI specialists for racing strategy optimization 
• Data analysts for real-time performance metrics 
• IoT engineers for connected racing operations 

Commercial & sponsorship roles – Motorsports’ billion-dollar revenue engine 

The commercial side of motorsports offers substantial growth potential as Saudi Arabia builds its global motorsports brand. With dynamic digital advertising, virtual overlays, and AWS-powered analytics transforming sponsorship models [1], the business opportunities extend far beyond traditional marketing roles. 

Commercial career opportunities: 

• Digital marketing specialists focused on motorsports tech 
• Business development professionals for international partnerships 
• Logistics coordinators for global racing operations [2] 

Support functions & crossover industries

The multiplier effect 

One of the most overlooked aspects of the motorsports career landscape is how skills transfer across industries. The MIA Careers Guide emphasizes that motorsports expertise applies directly to defense, aerospace, marine, and automotive sectors [2]. This means professionals entering motorsports in Saudi Arabia are positioning themselves for opportunities across multiple high-growth industries. 

Transferable career paths: 

• Project management for complex, time-sensitive operations 
• Quality assurance for high-precision manufacturing 
• Supply chain optimization for just-in-time delivery systems 

Kingdom’s long-term vision

According to the Saudi Press Agency, Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah bin Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Saudi Motorsport Company, emphasized that Saudi Arabia is undergoing a “significant boom” across all sectors, including hosting the Fanatec GT World Challenge at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. 

In his statement, Prince Khalid highlighted the Kingdom’s ability to consistently host prestigious global events, crediting the leadership of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee. 

“With great pride and honor, all events and races are managed and executed by Saudi young men and women. They have been entrusted with this responsibility and have excelled,” said Prince Khalid. 

 “Moreover, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit has gained a solid reputation after hosting Formula 1 in 2021. It has since received significant interest from organizers and racers eager to participate on this fast and exciting track.” 

This official endorsement signals a long-term commitment to motorsports as both a national branding initiative and a deep, local talent development agenda. 

Ready to accelerate your career?

Saudi Arabia's motorsports revolution represents more than industry growth – it's a strategic opportunity to build expertise in a high-growth sector while contributing to the Kingdom's economic diversification. The combination of substantial financial investment, cutting-edge technology adoption, and global industry integration creates a unique career development environment. 

This transformation is still in its early stages—meaning your entry point is now. Whether you're in engineering, data, or business strategy. This is the chance to position yourself at the forefront of an industry transformation that’s creating new career categories and redefining professional possibilities. 

The motorsports revolution is accelerating. Your career can too.

1. saudi-arabias-motorsports-ambition.pdf 
2. Careers guide - THE MOTORSPORT INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 
3. Launch of the "Saudi Next Gen Program" to Support Saudi Talents in Motorsports | Saudi Motorsport Company 
4. President of SAMF: Saudi Arabia is Experiencing Major Boom Across All Sectors