The Original Fake Sheikh: F1’s Most Bizarre Forgotten Tale
In the mid-1990s, an extraordinary tale unfolded in the world of Formula 1 that seemed too fantastical to be true. It involved three unlikely characters: a mysterious Saudi businessman who became known as the “Original Fake Sheikh,” the struggling Tyrrell Racing team, and none other than global superstar Cher. This remarkable story remained largely untold for three decades.
The Mysterious Mr. Al Kehaimi
At the center of this peculiar narrative was Sulaiman Al Kehaimi, a Saudi national who masterfully cultivated an image of extraordinary wealth. His true nature proved elusive, as he walked the fine line between legitimate businessman and skilled confidence artist. His eventual trial for fraud in 1999, which surprisingly ended in acquittal, only added to the mystique surrounding his identity.
A Team in Need
The story begins in 1995 when Tyrrell Racing, once a dominant force in Formula 1, was fighting for survival. Rupert Manwaring, the team’s commercial manager, was introduced to Al Kehaimi through an automotive industry contact. The meeting seemed fortuitous – here was a potential savior for the struggling team.
Al Kehaimi’s display of wealth was impressive. He flew the entire team to Budapest in a lavishly appointed private aircraft, complete with bedrooms and lounges. He showed up at meetings with suitcases of cash and maintained what appeared to be a mansion in Henley, complete with a formal butler who would appear uninvited at dinner parties.
The Monaco Spectacle
The tale reached its surreal peak at the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix. Al Kehaimi had apparently secured a chateau in Grasse and, remarkably, had convinced Cher to attend the race as his guest. The weekend produced one of F1’s most unusual scenes: Manwaring, Tyrrell’s commercial manager, found himself escorting the Grammy-winning superstar around the Monaco circuit during the race, walking behind the Armco barriers and through the famous tunnel.
The evening concluded with an extravagant birthday celebration for Cher at the chateau, where Al Kehaimi presented her with a yellow Lamborghini Diablo – a gesture that would later raise eyebrows among the assembled guests.
Unraveling
The facade began to crack during that same Monaco weekend. Through conversations with other guests at the chateau, Manwaring discovered that multiple wealthy individuals believed they had stakes in various Al Kehaimi ventures, including the private jet they’d been using. A particularly telling moment came when Manwaring mentioned a supposed sponsorship deal with Netscape to its CEO, who was present at the chateau and knew nothing about it.
The Aftermath
The case eventually reached Oxford Crown Court in 1999, where Al Kehaimi faced charges related to a £187,500 cheque. Despite being described as “a prince amongst confidence tricksters,” he was acquitted. The prosecution noted that even Cher had been an unwitting participant, drawn in by Al Kehaimi’s offer to invest in her clothing company.
The Mystery Remains
Today, Al Kehaimi’s whereabouts are unknown. Some speculate he was originally a middleman for converting private jets into luxury aircraft for wealthy clients, who then allegedly used this position to construct his elaborate fantasy world. He reportedly remained in the UK with an English girlfriend for some time after his trial, but hasn’t been heard from in almost 25 years.
The story serves as a remarkable reminder of an era when Formula 1 was still susceptible to such elaborate schemes. It stands as one of the sport’s most bizarre yet least-known episodes, combining elements of high society, motor racing, and international intrigue in a tale that continues to perplex those who witnessed it firsthand.
