admin JEDDAH: Saudi motorsport mechanic Ahmad Shawk has joined the Hitech team in the F1 Academy, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Shawk transitions from Altawkilat Motorsport, promoter of the Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship, where he spent two seasons building his experience trackside. During that time, he became no. 1 mechanic for driver Kit Belofsky, who won the 2025 title with Team PEAX.
Shawk played an important role in delivering consistent car performance across multiple race wins, contributing to a dominant season. His journey reflects the hands-on, high-pressure environment that the series provides for emerging motorsport professionals.
His move to the F1 Academy marks a step up onto the international stage as he joins Hitech in a championship that is part of the FIA’s global development pathway. The 2026 season began in Shanghai last month and will travel to Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, and the US during a six-round calendar.
Beyond his individual milestone, Shawk’s progression reflects the broader purpose of the Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship — to develop Saudi talent across all areas of motorsport through hands-on experience in a competitive environment. The program supports both on- and off-track careers, with three Saudi drivers, two engineers, and 10 mechanics currently involved, alongside a growing number of roles and internships across marketing and hospitality. His move is a clear example of that pathway in action, in line Saudi Vision 2030’s objections to build local expertise and a sustainable motorsport industry.
“Ahmad’s move to the F1 Academy with Hitech is exactly what this program was designed to achieve,” said Pierre Herrenschmidt, head of commercial for the Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship.
“We invest in Saudi talent at every level of motorsport, and seeing Ahmad take his skills to an international FIA platform is a proud moment for the championship, for Altawkilat Motorsport, and for the future of motorsport in the Kingdom.”
