The Dakar Rally, a grueling test of endurance and skill that has gained widespread acclaim since its inception in 1979, has taken place across multiple nations and terrains. This year was notably different as Yazeed Al-Rajhi became the first driver to win the coveted Touareg trophy on Saudi soil. This groundbreaking victory came during the 2025 edition of the rally, which saw several seasoned contenders, including the renowned Carlos Sainz Sr. and Sebastien Loeb, falter early in the competition. Al-Rajhi’s triumph not only represents a personal milestone but also marks a significant turning point for the country’s motorsport legacy.
Born into a wealthy family and with a deep-rooted passion for motorsport, Al-Rajhi began his rally career in the Middle East in 2007. Although he made his international debut in 2014, it wasn’t until 2015 that he first graced the Dakar stage, achieving a respectable stage victory. Despite undergoing numerous challenges, including a dramatic airborne crash during the 2022 edition while leading the race, Al-Rajhi persisted. Each year, his participation in Dakar enhanced his skills, culminating in this landmark victory, which is arguably the apex of his professional journey thus far. His previous best finish—third place in 2022—had already established him as a force to be reckoned with in the rally community.
Beyond the realms of motorsport, Al-Rajhi is an influential entrepreneur. He manages a diverse portfolio, including a prominent banking institution, a bottled water brand, and a successful steel business that dominates the local market. This financial acumen, however, comes with its own set of challenges; Al-Rajhi has to juggle his business commitments alongside his racing ambitions. In fact, he dedicates time during the rally to respond to numerous emails and manage his extensive workforce of 25,000 employees, underscoring the multi-faceted demands on his time and energy.
Despite his stature as one of the wealthiest individuals in Saudi Arabia, Al-Rajhi’s experience has taught him that sheer monetary resources are not enough to guarantee success in motorsport. His disciplined approach to balancing time between business and rallying has been instrumental to his achievements. “I don’t just race a car; I race with a goal and direction,” he remarked, highlighting the significance of strategic planning in his journey.
Al-Rajhi’s success has not only brought fame and recognition but also aims to inspire a new wave of Saudi drivers. He believes that his victory at Dakar could empower young talent to pursue their dreams in motorsport. An ambitious initiative is already in motion, wherein promising prospects can vie for substantial prizes, with the ultimate aim of encouraging future generations to engage in rally sports.
Drawing parallels with the exhilarating surprise of Saudi Arabia’s victory over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup, Al-Rajhi hopes this triumph will encourage local athletes to believe in their capabilities at the highest level of competition. “I’ve waited for this day for a long time; I hope it serves as a catalyst for other Saudi drivers,” he expressed warmly.
One of the more unexpected yet poignant aspects of Al-Rajhi’s journey to victory is the mentorship he received leading up to the final stages of the rally. Notably, he reached out to Carlos Sainz Sr., who is not only a four-time Dakar champion but also a guiding light for younger generations in the rally community. Al-Rajhi credits a significant part of his success to Sainz, who provided him with vital insights and encouragement. This deep connection exemplifies the importance of mentorship in sports, fostering a culture of learning and collaboration among competitors.
As the dust settles from this year’s thrilling rally, Al-Rajhi’s victory stands not just as a personal achievement but also as a significant chapter in Saudi sports history. His win underscores a pivotal moment in rally racing, emphasizing that a private driver can triumph over factory teams—a feat previously considered almost unattainable. The influence of his victory reaches far beyond the immediate euphoria; it has the potential to inspire and create lasting involvement in motorsport across Saudi Arabia. In achieving his dream, Al-Rajhi has paved the way for future competitors, establishing a legacy that promises to ignite a passion for rally racing among Saudi youth in the years to come.