Shanghai, China - April 21, 2024 — Saudi Aramco, a global integrated energy and chemicals company, has teamed up with Formula 1® and the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) to host a unique cross-disciplinary sports event during the 2024 F1 Lenovo Chinese Grand PrixTM at the Shanghai International Circuit.
During the four-day Shanghai Grand Prix, drivers and mechanics from all Formula 1® teams joined renowned players from the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) at a specially tailored basketball court within the circuit. They participated in shooting contests and other competitive events. The theme of the event, "Pushing the Limits of Possibility," aligns with the collaboration between Saudi Aramco and Formula 1® to develop sustainable fuels. These fuels are set to be introduced into F1® racing starting from the 2026 season.
At the event, CBA player representatives bestowed the title of "Big Brother" upon Fernando Alonso, a driver for the Aston Martin AMR Formula One® team, and took a commemorative photo together. From left to right: fan representative Liu Guanyu, CBA players Wang Lanyin and Zeng Lingxu, Alonso, Ashraf Al Fagih, Vice President of Public Affairs for Aston Martin Asia, CBA players Ding Yanyuhang and Lin Wei.
AlphaTauri F1 team driver Pierre Gasly experiences on-site spot shooting.
The Chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association, Yao Ming, interacted and took a photo with Chinese Formula One driver Zhou Guanyu at the scene.
Laniya Biltaji, Marketing, Cooperation, and Corporate Sponsorship Manager at Saudi Aramco, stated, "We are delighted to co-host this cross-border event with Formula 1® and the CBA. Gathering together, we witnessed the spectacle of this event, demonstrating our commitment to inspiring people to push their limits. Saudi Aramco is dedicated to driving global economic development, injecting positivity into people's lives, and promoting the positive values inherent in sports. We believe that our partnership with international sports leagues such as Formula 1® and the CBA will bring about a positive and lasting impact on sports, enriching people's lives and injecting greater vitality into sports competitions."
Jonny Haworth, Commercial Director of Formula 1®, said, "During the 2024 F1 Chinese Grand Prix, we are thrilled to have created such a unique exchange event by bringing the CBA into the Formula 1® arena with the support of our global partner Saudi Aramco. 2024 marks the 20th year of hosting the racing Grand Prix in China, so this special event organized in collaboration with Saudi Aramco and the Chinese Basketball Association allows Chinese fans to test their skills while witnessing the excitement of drivers and basketball players participating in cross-border competitions."
The CBA expressed, "Since 2022, Saudi Aramco has been a cherished official partner of the CBA. We appreciate Saudi Aramco for connecting the CBA with Formula 1®. Although the competition projects are different, they convey the same spirit of sports, which will greatly inspire the immense enthusiasm of Chinese millions of racing and basketball fans for sports."
