Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has acquired a previously undisclosed minority stake of about 8% in the Aston Martin Formula 1 team, reinforcing the Gulf’s accelerating push into elite global sports assets.

The stake is held through AMR GP Holdings, according to filings with Companies House cited in a Bloomberg report.

The investment adds to Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll’s broader fundraising efforts, which have included selling stakes to private equity firms such as Arctos Partners. Neither PIF nor Aston Martin commented on the holding. The sovereign fund also owns a small separate stake in Aston Martin Lagonda, the listed carmaker.

Gulf capital now plays a central role in F1. Bahrain’s Mumtalakat and Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings recently agreed to take full control of McLaren, while Qatar Investment Authority purchased a significant minority stake in Sauber ahead of its transition to Audi.

The region’s influence is visible on the track as well. The F1 calendar now features four Middle Eastern races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. Michael Broughton of Sports Investment Partners said F1 offers countries soft power and investor appeal, noting the scarcity of team slots and the rising valuations across the sport.

Saudi Arabia has made sport a pillar of its economic diversification strategy. PIF already owns Newcastle United, LIV Golf, four domestic football clubs, and a stake in the Professional Fighters League. It is also set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup and previously explored a bid for Formula One itself at more than $20bn.

Rapidly climbing team valuations have delivered major returns for investors. MSP Sports Capital and partners made roughly six times their money when they sold part of McLaren at a valuation above £3bn. Last month, Mercedes chief executive Toto Wolff sold part of his stake at a $6bn valuation, a record for an F1 team.

However, profitability remains uneven. Aston Martin posted a £40.4m loss last year, showing that mid-grid teams continue to face financial pressure despite surging investor appetite. Sovereign wealth funds remain the most likely buyers as valuations rise and capital requirements intensify.

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