The A1GP is unique in motorsport, in that the teams competing represent the nation they come from. Thanks to this format, the series is billed as the World Cup of Motorsport. The concept was unveiled in Dubai in 2004, as the brainchild of Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum.

To ensure all nations compete on a level playing field, each team has cars that are technically identical. The only difference is the colour of the cars' duco, and the drivers behind the wheel, which ensures neck-and-neck racing, lots of overtaking, and plenty of excitement for the fans trackside.