Formula 1 Aramco U.S. Grand Prix Returns

The return of the Formula 1 Aramco Grand Prix to the U.S. and the state of Texas did not disappoint.  Dedicated fans packed the stands for three days to watch practice and qualifying sessions with a three-day attendance of 440,000.

With teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren taking to the track on the famed Circuit of the Americas (COTA) course for 56 laps, there was no shortage of energy.

Earlier this year, Aston Martin Formula One signed a deal with Aramco for co-title rights to the racing outfit with professional services company Cognizant, making it the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team™.  The partnership creates opportunities for Aramco to collaborate on engine development and other motorsports innovations such as high-performance sustainable fuels, advanced lubricants, and the deployment of non-metallic materials in vehicles.

Learn more about the Aramco and Aston Martin Racing strategic partnership

Aramco's global sponsorship with the international race series was announced in 2020, connecting Aramco with a worldwide audience of 500 million racing fans.  The Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team™ was one of the ten teams competing in this year's race.

Aramco has been accelerating its fuel-efficient engine technologies and growing its R&D portfolio with sustainability-focused initiatives.  The motorsport connection was a natural choice for a company deeply rooted in innovation and engineering excellence.

“Forward-thinking partnerships are as important on the track as they are across our downstream business network,” said Ibrahim Al-Buainain, Vice President Sales, Trading & Supply Planning, Aramco.  Al-Buainain, who hosted a race day breakfast with drivers and guests, said it was great to see the success of Austin and how it has contributed to the rise of Formula One in the U.S.  Two reserve drivers for the Aston Martin team Nico Hulkenberg and Felipe Drugovich were in attendance to visit with guests and talk about their professional careers.

Aysar Tayeb, Executive Managing Director, Prosperity7 Ventures, was on hand to host U.S.-based startups that Aramco has invested in.  “The race backdrop certainly fits with the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship we experience with our business collaborations.”

Race weekend activities for VIP guests included track side experiences such as Pit Lane Walks, Hot Laps, and Track Tours.  The Aramco hospitality suite in the Paddock Club area offered a unique vantage point over the team garages and pit lane with a clear view of the start and finish line.

Among those packing the stands were Aramco employees from U.S. offices who won tickets in a series of engaging and fun race challenges leading up to the event.  Texas area Saudi-sponsored students attending nearby universities were also given the opportunity to win tickets.   Hundreds of employees and students had one of the best vantage points on the course to experience the event and cheer on the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team™.

“I'm here with my dad,” said Luis Garcia, Analyst, Technical Services, Aramco Americas.  “I'm so excited to share this experience with him.  The cars, the excitement, it's amazing.”

This year's winner was Max Verstappen driving for Red Bull Racing.  Fahad Al Abdul Kareem, Vice President of Industrial Services, Aramco awarded the trophy on behalf of the company.

Next on the schedule, Formula 1 goes to Mexico City for Round 20 in late October and then on to Brazil and Abu Dhabi in November to complete its 2022 schedule.