Aston Martin Aramco's Spectacular Celebration for Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia

The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team has made a remarkable return to Saudi Arabia, gearing up for the eagerly awaited Grand Prix in the Kingdom. This celebration is not merely a promotional event; it aims to engage and inspire motorsport fans, reinforcing the team's commitment to Saudi Arabia and the growth of motorsports in the nation.

One of the standout moments of the celebration featured Jessica Hawkins, Aston Martin's driver ambassador, who made history last year as the first woman to drive a modern ground-effect Formula 1 car. Hawkins kicked off the festivities by taking the AMR23 on an iconic journey across Saudi Arabia, making several stops at culturally and artistically significant locations. Notable stops included Ithra, Aramco's cultural marvel in Dammam, and a newly unveiled premium Aramco retail station, ultimately concluding at the famed Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

The festivities didn't stop there. Back at Aramco's headquarters, the team driver Fernando Alonso unveiled a unique helmet design created specifically for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This striking helmet is a collaboration with Sara Turkestani, a talented young artist from Saudi Arabia who won a competition to design a special edition helmet for Alonso. This design is a homage to the vibrant desert landscapes and cultural motifs that are emblematic of the region. The opportunity not only showcases Turkestani's talent but also offers her a behind-the-scenes experience during the race weekend, an inspiring moment for many young artists.

Fernando Alonso expressed his enthusiasm for racing in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the significance of the event being held in the home of Aramco. He shared his admiration for the winning helmet design, highlighting how the dunes and colors reflect the beauty and depth of the Saudi landscape he encountered during his Dakar Rally experiences. Alonso remarked, "It's meaningful to wear a helmet designed by a young artist from the Kingdom. This is part of Aramco's Generation 3 initiative, aimed at inspiring the future generation of engineers and drivers."

Rania Biltagi, Aramco's Global Head of Sponsorships, also commented on the growing partnership between Aston Martin and Aramco. She noted the team’s shared vision to ignite passion and skills in the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) among Saudi youth, ultimately paving the way for future leaders in motorsport and engineering.

Jessica Hawkins, reflecting on her own experiences, stated, "Being behind the wheel of an F1 car is phenomenal. To be part of a historic event like this, just before our home race, is very special. I am committed to encouraging young people to consider careers in motorsport, and I stand proudly alongside Aramco in this mission."

The journey is not only a celebration of motorsport but also a clear message of support for the upcoming generations of STEM talents in Saudi Arabia. Sara Turkestani, the helmet design competition winner, echoed this sentiment saying, "The chance to convey my passion for art through Formula 1 is incredible. I created a desert theme to reflect our history and modern style—a blend of resilience and contemporary spirit. I cannot express how honored I am to see my design on Fernando Alonso’s helmet during the race."

As the Grand Prix approaches, this collaboration marks a pivotal moment in both brands’ journeys, demonstrating their commitment to cultivating a rich motorsport culture in Saudi Arabia while embracing the creativity and innovation of its youth. The activities throughout the week not only celebrate the partnership but set the stage for the future of motorsports in the region, reinforcing a shared mission to inspire the next generation.

Conclusion

These initiatives exemplify the role of partnerships in enhancing sports culture and education in Saudi Arabia, revealing a bright future for motorsports and the aspiring generations who will take the lead in shaping it.