From a Chance Encounter to the Rally Track: Mashael Al-Saad’s Rise in Saudi Motorsports

Mecca, Jan 2026 : What began as a moment of curiosity has evolved into a promising motorsport career for Saudi rally driver Mashael Al-Saad, who is steadily establishing herself in one of the most demanding and competitive disciplines of racing. In a sport defined by endurance, precision and mental resilience, Al-Saad’s journey reflects both personal determination and the rapidly changing landscape of motorsports in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Saad’s introduction to rally driving came not behind the wheel, but as a host. In 2023, she hosted the second edition of Rally Jameel, the region’s first all-female navigational rally. Watching the participants navigate harsh desert terrain with grit and competitive spirit sparked her interest in motorsport. The determination she witnessed among the drivers made her question her own limits and encouraged her to explore the idea of competing herself.

That curiosity soon turned into action. With encouragement and guidance from renowned Saudi rally driver Abdullah Bakhshab, Al-Saad received her first professional opportunity with Lexus. This marked the official beginning of her rally career during the fourth edition of Rally Jameel in 2024. What followed exceeded expectations. Competing as a Lexus team driver, Al-Saad finished first in her category and sixth overall among more than 40 participants, an impressive achievement for a newcomer to the sport.

Rally Jameel proved to be a turning point in her career. It introduced her to the physical and mental demands of desert racing and pushed her far beyond her comfort zone. The experience sharpened her endurance, navigation skills and ability to perform under pressure. She returned for subsequent editions of the rally, finishing second overall and once again securing first place in her category. Her growing confidence soon led her to compete at other race circuits across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East and North Africa region.

Despite entering a field traditionally dominated by men, Al-Saad says she never viewed her journey as particularly difficult. Instead, she highlights the extensive support she has received from multiple quarters. She credits Saudi Arabia’s leadership for creating an enabling environment for women in sports, along with institutional backing from the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. Corporate support, particularly from Lexus, also played a crucial role in providing her with opportunities and resources to compete at a high level.

Equally important has been the support of her family. Al-Saad often speaks about the role her mother played in building her confidence and resilience long before she entered competitive racing. That foundation, she says, prepared her to face challenges head-on and believe in her own capabilities.

Among her domestic successes, Al-Saad considers her time attack victory in Jeddah last year as one of the most significant milestones of her career. It was one of her earliest races, where she consistently finished first in the Women’s Cup. The results reinforced her self-belief and confirmed that she belonged on the racing circuit. Another defining moment came during the 2024 Racing Hill Climb in Taif, where she raced in hilly terrain for the first time. The unfamiliar conditions tested her technical skills and adaptability, accelerating her development as a driver.

Competing at higher levels has transformed Al-Saad both professionally and personally. Racing alongside experienced champions has been humbling, she says, but also deeply motivating. Over time, she has gained a stronger understanding of the technical aspects of motorsport, dedicating herself to studying vehicle dynamics and kinematics. This knowledge has helped her better align her driving style with the car, improving performance and consistency.

Beyond the track, motorsport has reshaped her mindset. Al-Saad says the sport has strengthened her confidence in uncertain situations and taught her to approach challenges with focus rather than fear. These lessons, she believes, extend far beyond racing and influence how she handles life’s broader demands.

As one of the visible faces of women in Saudi motorsport, Al-Saad is often seen as a role model. She responds to this perception with humility, saying she would feel proud if her journey inspires even one woman to pursue her passion. At the same time, she emphasizes that role models exist at every level of the industry. For her, growth comes from observing the strengths of others and applying those lessons to her own path, a philosophy she believes applies both on and off the track.

Managing pressure and risk is a constant in rally racing, and Al-Saad relies heavily on preparation and patience. Careful planning allows her to anticipate challenges, while calm and decisive thinking becomes crucial when conditions change unexpectedly. In a sport where seconds can determine outcomes, she stresses that clarity and composure often make the difference between success and failure.

Looking ahead, Al-Saad has set her ambitions firmly on the international stage. She aims to compete in the Middle East Rally Championship and dreams of one day lining up at the Dakar Rally, hosted on home soil in Saudi Arabia. She is also eager to explore other racing formats, viewing the learning process itself as one of the most rewarding aspects of her career.

For young Saudi women who aspire to enter motorsport but hesitate due to fear of failure, Al-Saad offers simple advice: start. She believes progress begins with taking the first step, learning through experience and building confidence over time. In a rapidly evolving motorsports landscape, her journey stands as a powerful example of what is possible in Saudi Arabia, both on the road and beyond.

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