‘Aramco Sports Zone’ comes to the Chinese Grand Prix 2025

Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, has once again joined forces with Formula 1® and the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) to deliver a unique experience at the Shanghai International Circuit during the Chinese Grand Prix 2025.

The Aramco Sports Zone saw Formula 1 drivers, VIPs, and athletes from different sports come together in the paddock and included Formula 1 drivers shooting hoops with CBA stars Li Tianrong and Ben Li from the Shanghai Sharks team.

In addition, in the fanzone, Aramco provided an immersive experience for fans to feel the excitement of playing on a model of the iconic Dongdan basketball court in Beijing, where they had the chance to take part in a shooting competition against the clock to win prizes.

The Aramco Sports Zone and basketball fanzone represent another milestone in Aramco’s proud and long history of partnerships in China and Aramco’s commitment to inspiring people and fostering community growth through sports.

Nader Al Arfaj, Aramco China Managing Director, said, “We’re honored to co-host this event with Formula 1® and the CBA. This marks another milestone for Aramco and our partners as we come together again to motivate the younger generation with sports. We believe our partnerships with organisations like Formula 1® and the CBA will leave a lasting, positive impact on the world of sports, enriching lives and fueling dreams of excellence.”

Jonny Haworth, Formula 1®’s Director of Commercial Partnerships, said: “We are excited to, once again, bring CBA to the Formula 1 Paddock, delivering a distinctive experience with Aramco and the CBA to give fans the opportunity to engage in sports-based activities while also watching both drivers and basketball stars demonstrate their skills on the court.”

Jiang Jian, General Manager of CBA League (Beijing) Sports Co. Ltd., said, “Our official partnership with Aramco started in 2022 and we are grateful that Aramco facilitates closer collaboration and creates goodwill between basketball and F1 racing.  This initiative demonstrates our shared passion for sports, setting ablaze the enthusiasm of basketball and racing fans across the country.”

Throughout the race weekend, the Aramco Sports Zone and fanzone basketball court saw notable sports personalities taking part in the activities, including NBA Hall of Famer Yao Ming, Beijing Shougang star Zhai Xiaochuan, popular street-baller Wu You and Chinese football legend Fan Zhiyi.

 

NOTES

Over the years, Aramco’s partnership with the CBA has included the ‘Shoot for the Future’ community basketball court revamp project, which integrates advanced material innovations into the redevelopment of community basketball courts. Aramco’s partnership with CBA began in 2022, marking a strategic alliance that combines the CBA’s extensive influence in Chinese sports with Aramco’s commitment to innovation and community engagement.

Aramco’s partnership with Formula 1 began in 2020 and reflects Aramco’s goal to support the drive for excellence and innovation in one of the world’s greatest racing spectacles.