HRH Prince Saud bin Mouatsem Al Saud: Racing Towards a Legacy
September 24th, 2024
HRH Prince Saud bin Mouatsem Al Saud: Racing Towards a Legacy
Balancing royal heritage with the high-octane world of motorsports, HRH Prince Saud bin Mouatsem Al Saud speaks candidly about his journey, his inspirations, and the legacy he aims to build on and off the track.
Steeped in a rich royal lineage yet driven by modern ambition, HRH Prince Saud bin Mouatsem Al Saud embodies a unique fusion of tradition and contemporary flair. In an exclusive interview, he opens up about his transformative journey into motorsports—a path inspired by resilience, discipline, and the cinematic spark that ignited his passion. From carrying the weight of a storied family history to navigating the pressures of international racing, Prince Saud reflects on the values instilled by his great-grandfather, King Abdulaziz, and how they shape his goals today. With a deep commitment to personal authenticity, creative exploration, and national pride, he shares insights into his evolution as a Saudi athlete, a champion, and an ambassador for the Kingdom’s bright future in sports and beyond.
“Discipline is essential. Dreams are easy to have, but the reality is far more challenging. You must remain present, mentally resilient, and prepared to sacrifice much of your life’’
As someone who embodies both tradition and modern ambition, how do you balance your royal heritage with the fast-paced world of motorsports?
Royal heritage is something I was born into, a legacy that stems from the sacrifices my ancestors made to unify our nation. I carry this name with honor and hold tightly to the values they passed down.
Why motorsports?
Since childhood, I’ve been curious about my passions and aspirations. Despite having multiple interests, I struggled to leverage them until a difficult period in my life left me feeling unremarkable.
During that time, I randomly watched the movie “Rush”, about Formula 1, and it sparked a transformation. I decided that I would become a world champion, and from that moment, my life changed completely.
You’ve spoken about the profound impact your grandfather’s legacy has had on your values. In what ways do you see his influence shaping your future goals, both on and off the track?
My great-grandfather, King Abdulaziz, gave everything to unify this Kingdom. His sacrifices laid the foundation for our nation, and I feel a responsibility to create my own legacy through hard work, sacrifices, and humility, just as he and his descendants, including my grandfather King Saud, His Majesty King Salman and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, did.
Your journey into racing began later in life, yet you’ve risen to become a champion. What advice would you give to young dreamers who feel they are starting their journeys “late”?
Discipline is essential. Dreams are easy to have, but the reality is far more challenging. You must remain present, mentally resilient, and prepared to sacrifice much of your life. Even after all the hard work, failure is still possible.
Discipline will help you bounce back, humble yourself, and continue moving forward. Obsession is also important. While I’m proud of being a regional champion, my goal is to become a world champion, so I must stay focused and grounded.
Formula 1 is as much about mental fortitude as it is about physical skill. How do you maintain a sense of inner peace and focus amid the intense pressures of international racing?
While physical strength, stamina, and endurance are key in motorsports, mental health is equally crucial. Staying focused and emotionally calm is vital because in racing, even the smallest lapse in concentration can have huge consequences.
It’s about striking the right balance—remaining mentally sharp, brave, and confident while keeping your emotions in check. Achieving this level of mental calmness doesn’t happen overnight; it comes with experience and the development of consistent habits over time.
In a world where motorsports are traditionally seen as a male-dominated arena, how do you see your role evolving as a Saudi athlete and ambassador on the global stage?
I am always proud and grateful to be chosen to represent my country on the global stage, and this trust motivates me to keep pushing forward.
Despite setbacks and challenges, I remain resilient, and I hope to achieve greatness for myself, my country, and future generations of athletes.
Beyond racing, you have a keen interest in film and the arts. How do you see the intersection of creative expression and the discipline required in sports shaping your broader worldview?
Films and art have always been a passion of mine, and they’ve had a profound impact on my life.
My entire perspective shifted after watching a movie, which shows how powerful storytelling can be.
Creativity and imagination open up a world of possibilities that people often take for granted.
Having an open mind and embracing fiction helps me see life differently, and it fuels my belief that there are endless opportunities beyond what we can immediately perceive.
The future of Saudi Arabia is one of great innovation and ambition, particularly in sports. How do you hope to inspire the next generation of Saudi athletes, and what role do you envision playing in the Kingdom’s sporting evolution?
Saudi Arabia is taking a significant role in sports on a global scale, and I firmly believe that projects like Qiddiya will establish the Kingdom as a global destination. My aim is to reach my personal goals in motorsports while contributing to the broader success of Vision 2030, under the leadership of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. I hope to play a part in shaping a future where Saudi athletes can thrive on the world stage.
What is style to you?
Style is about staying true to who you are, being confident in your choices, and not allowing others’ opinions to dictate your actions. However, there’s a darker side to style when it leads to delusion or straying from moral principles. This is why it’s so important to keep your values, religion, and morals at the forefront of your choices.
Less is more or more is more?
It really depends on the situation. Sometimes less is more, and sometimes more is more. For example, having too little water leads to dehydration, but having too much can cause overhydration, which can be fatal. The key is finding the right balance to stay in harmony with what’s needed.
What is authenticity to you?
Authenticity is knowing who you are—your values, passions, and capabilities. It’s about creating your own journey, not simply following a path set by others. It means staying open to life’s adventures, embracing curiosity, and seeing life as a game to be enjoyed while it lasts.
“Creativity and imagination open up a world of possibilities that people often take for granted.’’
