Renault Turbo‑Boosts Saudi Rizz on the French Freeway
In a spectacular pre‑race sprint that had fans buzzing for days, Renault handed a Saudi woman the keys to a Formula One car and let her fire it up before the French Grand Prix took off at Le Castellet. It wasn’t just a cool gimmick – it was a powerful salute to women who, the very same day, were granted the right to drive on the streets of Saudi Arabia.
Meet Aseel Al‑Hamad – Formula One’s Newest Trailblazer
Aseel, the first member of Saudi Arabia’s motorsport federation to ditch the sidelines and hit the track, got the privilege of steering the very car that saw Kimi Räikkönen roll to victory at the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. She rehearsed the route at the circuit on June 5, then took the wheel in a dazzling “passion parade” hours before the French crowd packed in.
What’s in a Car?
- A driver’s seat that holds dreams
- A set of controls that feel like a high‑tech magic wand
- A roar that’s louder than your favorite superhero movie
A Word From Her
“I’ve loved racing from the moment I first strapped in a kiddie go‑kart. Driving a F1 car? That’s another level – a bit like stepping outside your comfort zone to discover what you’re truly made for.”
“It’s an honour to drive in front of the huge audience at France’s home track. It’s a privilege that feels bigger than any personal victory.”
“Seeing this happen on the day women can drive in Saudi Arabia shows that passion and perseverance can turn the impossible into reality.”
Beyond the Track
Aseel doesn’t just enjoy the thrill – she’s behind the scenes, crafting strategies to promote women’s education and training in motorsport across Saudi Arabia. “If you have a dream and you chase it with all the heart you have left, you’ll eventually carve your own lane,” she says.
Why This Matters (and Why We Giggled)
When a nation finally hands a steering wheel to a woman, the world takes a moment to celebrate. With Aseel’s F1 moment, Renault and the French Grand Prix turned an ordinary Sunday into a joyous, unforgettable nod to progress, ambition, and a few happy, rev‑filled smiles. If you’re ever wondering if you can turbo‑charge your dreams, just remember Aseel’s story – it’s louder than a pit‑lane whistle, and it might even come with a grin.