Riyadh: Farrah Alyousef, a 22-year-old from Riyadh, is set to make history as Saudi Arabia’s representative in the F1 Academy's support race during the 2025 Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Scheduled for April 18-20 at the iconic Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Farrah will share the stage with legendary Formula 1 drivers like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc, marking a significant milestone for Saudi motorsport.
Wild Card
Selected as the "Wild Card" entry, Farrah will compete against seasoned racers from around the globe in the all-female F1 Academy. This is a monumental achievement for Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning motorsport scene and highlights the nation’s commitment to promoting women in competitive sports.
Farrah’s journey to this moment has been extraordinary. Having recently qualified for the Formula Woman World Qualifiers in Dubai, she now gears up for the FW Nations Cup Festival, set to take place shortly after the Saudi Grand Prix. As a student of Aerospace Engineering in the UK, Farrah has shown remarkable dedication by balancing her studies with her racing aspirations.
Single-seater car
In preparation for the April race, she will train extensively, gaining invaluable experience behind the wheel of a Formula 4 single-seater car. This hands-on preparation underscores her readiness to compete on one of motorsport’s grandest stages.
“I’m delighted and so proud to represent my country as the Wild Card entry for the GP and be the only Saudi entry for both The GP and The FW Nations Cup,” Farrah said. “I am so grateful to Saudi Motorsport for assisting me with their support and my training. I can’t wait to start testing again and look forward to experiencing the amazing Jeddah Corniche track.”
Broader Implications
Farrah Alyousef’s rise comes at a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia’s sports and cultural transformation. As the country continues to diversify its economy and invest in high-profile events, its focus on motorsport aligns with broader goals to inspire youth, empower women, and establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for competitive racing.
Farrah’s success symbolises progress for Saudi women in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Her journey from a student in the UK to a Wild Card entrant in an international F1 event exemplifies the intersection of talent, opportunity, and societal change. Her story will likely inspire a new generation of Saudi women to pursue careers in sports and other fields historically viewed as inaccessible.
As Farrah gears up for the 2025 race, her journey underscores the importance of representation and perseverance. She is not only driving toward personal success but also steering her nation into the fast lane of global motorsport prominence.