F1 in America
Innovation and engineering excellence: Formula 1 Aramco U.S. Grand Prix returns
Company’s partnership with Cognizant takes a front seat as hundreds of thousands flock to Texas raceway.
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 TeamTM. 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 nonmetallic materials in vehicles.
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 TeamTM was one of the 10 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 Q. Al-Buainain, Aramco’s vice president of Sales, Trading and Supply Planning. 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.
The spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship
Aysar Tayeb, executive managing director of 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.
This year’s winner was Max Verstappen, driving for Red Bull Racing. Fahad M. Al Abdul Kareem, Aramco’s vice president of Industrial Services, 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.