The Dakar Rally, known for its grueling terrain and fierce competition, has long been a significant fixture on the motorsport calendar since its inception in 1979. However, it took until 2025 for a Saudi driver to claim victory on home soil—the dynamic Yazeed Al-Rajhi. Al-Rajhi’s triumph not only marks a personal achievement in his storied career but also serves as a milestone for the burgeoning motorsport scene in Saudi Arabia. His success came during a unique event that saw several pre-race favorites, including Carlos Sainz Sr. and Sébastien Loeb, fall out early, opening the door for Al-Rajhi to make history.
Yazeed Al-Rajhi’s journey began in 2007, competing in local rally events across the Middle East before transitioning to the international stage in 2014. His impressive entry into the Dakar Rally came in 2015, where he quickly made a name for himself with a stage win. Over the years, Al-Rajhi has participated in the challenging rally a total of 11 times, culminating in his highest finish of third place in 2022—a year that, ironically, saw him not securing any individual stage wins. Despite the challenges, including a harrowing accident that jeopardized his chances last year, Al-Rajhi never gave up on his quest for victory.
This year’s Dakar Rally was different. It unfolded on his home turf, providing him with an added layer of motivation and pride. Coming to grips with the complexities of the race, Al-Rajhi learned from his past missteps. He recalibrated his approach to racing, shifting from an all-out attack to a more strategic style that emphasized consistency over recklessness. Such adaptations were crucial to achieving his long-sought dream of winning the prestigious Touareg trophy.
Outside his competitive schedule, Al-Rajhi juggles a successful business career, representing a new breed of athlete-entrepreneurs. He oversees multiple ventures, from coffee shops to a family-run bank and a leading steel company in Saudi Arabia. This multifaceted life means Al-Rajhi remains deeply engaged in his businesses, even while pursuing victory on the rally circuit. He often addresses piles of emails and runs his business from the road, facilitated by technology and a talented co-driver, Timo Gottschalk, who assists in managing his extensive workforce.
Though Al-Rajhi’s wealth provides significant resources and opportunities, his journey toward winning Dakar has shown him that financial backing alone cannot guarantee success. The grit and determination required in motorsport have forged a connection between him and the next generation of Saudi drivers. With ambitions to elevate local talent, Al-Rajhi is not just focused on his achievements; he wants to create a legacy that inspires young drivers to pursue motorsport careers.
In a sport where mentorship often plays a pivotal role, Al-Rajhi reveals how impactful figures like Carlos Sainz Sr. have influenced his success. Sainz Sr., a four-time Dakar champion, offered crucial advice leading up to the race’s final stages, demonstrating how collaboration in the world of motorsport can transcend competition. This mutual respect highlights the importance of community among drivers, reinforcing Al-Rajhi’s desire to be a mentor himself, guiding others who aspire to reach the heights he has.
The motivation to win stems from more than just personal glory for Al-Rajhi. He views his victory as a platform to inspire future generations of Saudi rally drivers. By offering significant incentives—prizes of up to 2.5 million euros for podium finishes—Al-Rajhi hopes to bolster interest in motorsport among Saudi youth. His recent win stands as a beacon of possibility, revealing that with persistence, any young driver can rise to the challenge and aim for success on a global stage.
Yazeed Al-Rajhi’s historic win at the Dakar Rally signifies not just a personal achievement but also a turning point for Saudi Arabian motorsport. As the first Saudi national to win the Dakar Rally on home soil, he has set a precedent that is likely to inspire a new generation of competitors. His emphasis on learning from mistakes, adapting strategies, and mentoring future talents showcases a bright outlook for Saudi motorsport.
In reflecting upon his momentous achievement, Al-Rajhi expressed hope that this victory would set a standard in the local arena, akin to Saudi Arabia’s stunning upset of Argentina in the 2022 World Cup. His journey illustrates that greatness is achievable with dedication, change, and the right support. As he paves the pathway for other Saudi drivers, Al-Rajhi’s legacy will be written not just through his titles but through the many aspiring racers he inspires along the way.