Aramco brings the energy to U.S. Grand Prix

The Formula 1 (F1) Aramco U.S. Grand Prix returned to the U.S. and the state of Texas with drivers competing at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), the first track in the U.S. to be purpose-built for F1 and host to other famed races. 

Aramco’s long-term global sponsorship with the international race was announced in 2020, marking the company’s first global sponsorship of a major sporting event and connecting Aramco with a worldwide audience of 500 million racing fans. 

Dedicated fans packed the stands for three days to watch practice and qualifying sessions as well as on race day, which drew a sell-out crowd of 140,000. 

In the spirit of innovative F1 racing, Aramco has a team of dedicated researchers and engineers working to develop low emission transport solutions to help reduce the carbon footprint from transportation. 

“Engineering excellence is at the heart of everything we do,” said Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani, senior vice president of Downstream, Aramco. “We share a commitment to driving innovation through our work with engines and fuels to lower emissions, enhance performance, and make a real impact in reducing emissions in the automotive sector and beyond.”

There was no shortage of energy as 10 teams took to the track for 56 laps; with winner Max Verstappen driving for team Red Bull Racing.

Race weekend activities included track side experiences such as Pit Lane Walks, Hot Laps, and Truck 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.

“Amazing. I never really thought how grand this event was and above all the technology behind it,” said Al Qahtani who experienced his first F1 race. 

Next on the schedule, F1 goes to Mexico City for Round 18 in early November and then on to Brazil, Qatar, and in early December (Dec. 3-5) to Saudi Arabia for the 2021 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix taking place at the new Jiddah Corniche Circuit. 

Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani, who presented the winning tophy to Max Verstappen and experienced his first Formula 1 race, said he was impressed with the technology behind the remarkably fast machines.