The benefits resulting from F1’s growing Middle Eastern influence

A remarkable season of Formula 1 is about to reach its climax in the Middle East, as a trio of races on three very different circuits adds another level of unpredictability.

Firstly, there is this weekend's race at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, which features a technical layout on low-grip asphalt, and a risk of chaos with standing water if wet weather descends.

In Saudi Arabia, at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, it is our eyes that are likely to water due to the sheer speeds witnessed on a street track. Baku set new levels for pace on regular roads, but the Saudi race is going another step further, with average lap times likely to be faster than at Silverstone, on a track featuring a purpose-built banked corner at the suitably numbered Turn 13.

The final race will play out in Abu Dhabi on a layout that has been subtly altered since last year, opening the door to realistic overtaking opportunities. Prospects for further drama and entertainment are high, but does it feel right that such an amazing head-to-head season is going to conclude in a part of the world where the culture of motorsport is somewhat superficial?

It is a question that former A1GP racer for Lebanon, Khalil Beschir, understands well. Currently the co-commentator and analyst for MBC Action’s F1 coverage in the region, he is all too aware of the naivety of fans in the Middle East.

“I get messages on social media every day from people asking how to become an F1 driver
 or engineer. There needs to be more education,
 I haven’t seen any real programmes in place to help support these followers.”

Qatar hosts its first grand prix this weekend

Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

The good news is that levels of interest are soaring, ever since the TV coverage became free-to-air in 2019.

“I am convinced that we have the youngest age group watching here in the Middle East,” enthuses Beschir, “and the free coverage has helped massively with the popularity of the sport. And the good thing in Saudi Arabia is that the minister of sport, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud, and the promoter of F1, Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal, have both raced competitively in GT3 and other motorsport categories. They want to create a programme to support young drivers, sending some to Europe to help them develop.”

When F1 first began visiting Abu Dhabi, many of the tickets sold were due to the music concerts that were part of the race weekend. Since then, life has moved on.

"I think Morocco will come in soon to put in a bid to join F1 because the popularity is growing, the fanbase is bigger in North Africa and Levant countries (such as Lebanon) than in the Gulf countries. Morocco has the money, and the idea is being considered" Khalil Beschir

“That is changing in Abu Dhabi and the whole region,” confirms Beschir. “Especially in Saudi we are seeing that people are buying tickets for F1 rather than concerts. In Saudi you have people who have to work, 80% of the population is not rich so there 
is a hunger, it’s different from the local youth approach you see in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.”

Beschir’s voice is heard across the Middle East but crucially the coverage also extends to North Africa, and his forward-thinking business mentality already has a strong opinion on other potential events.

“I think Morocco will come in soon to put in a bid to join F1 because the popularity is growing, the fanbase is bigger in North Africa and Levant countries (such as Lebanon) than in the Gulf countries. Morocco has the money, and the idea is being considered.”

Meanwhile, Beschir is developing another idea which has connections to F1 but is a very different animal. In 2018 he saw electric scooters on roads for the first time and realised that the world is changing.

Beschir has noticed an uptake in fan interest at the Abu Dhabi GP since it joined the calendar in 2009

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

“It made us think about creating a race series for e-scooters to develop the technology, the safety, all the elements.
 The car sector developed through motorsport, so I thought it made sense and spoke to my friend Alex Wurz about it.”

Wurz is well regarded in F1 as an ex-racer and current chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers Association. He was unsure about Beschir’s initial concept of e-scooter racing, but a deeper analysis persuaded him to become involved.

Other key F1 personnel have been brought in: Andy Mellor, a fundamental part of F1 safety for many years including development of the halo, and ex-Lotus engineer and FIA stalwart Peter Wright are now devising sporting and technical regulations for the eSkootr series, which is due to get underway soon.

Races will take place on 400m city centre circuits around the world, with competitors from a variety of sports. Snowboarders, skiers, bike racers and motocross riders will be among those racing on equipment powered by batteries from Williams Advanced Engineering. Specialist barriers are being designed by TecPro. The whole concept is about developing the micromobility sector, which we could all be using in the near future to cut down on global emissions.

“The idea is to complete the ecosystem of motorsport,” says Beschir with relish.
“By 2024 many road cars will have a scooter in the boot for the extra mile, so we are kind
of completing the circle.”

It is unlikely that eSkootr will impact us quite as dramatically as this remarkable F1 season, but it will provide a way for ambitious racers to prove abilities in a highly visible format, and who knows, perhaps one day a young champion of eSkootr from the UAE will switch to F1 and become a race winner at the highest level. Dreams are there to be fulfilled.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes walks the track on a scooter

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images