Saudi Arabia’s Formula 1 ambitions are picking up speed.Since the launch of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah in 2021, one of the most-watched races on the Formula 1 calendar, the Kingdom has worked to establish itself as a key player in the world of motorsport. Now, Saudi Arabia is preparing for a major shift: moving the race to the new Qiddiya Speed Park near Riyadh by 2027.
The new venue is part of Qiddiya City, a massive entertainment and lifestyle destination, and is designed to be more than just a race track; it is where Saudi hopes to anchor its long-term presence in the world of Formula 1.
While the Jeddah Corniche Circuit was built in just seven months to secure Saudi Arabia’s place on the F1 calendar, Qiddiya reflects a more strategic, long-term vision. Designed by former F1 driver Alexander Wurz and renowned circuit architect Hermann Tilke, the upcoming circuit is expected to set new standards for motorsport experiences.
One of the track’s most talked-about features is The Blade, a 70-meter-high section that extends dramatically over the circuit, supported from just one side. This elevated stretch brings sharp changes in height that push drivers to their limits, while offering fans a wide, overhead view of the race. With its bold design and scale, The Blade is intended to offer something rarely seen in Formula 1: a visual spectacle that blends technical skill with entertainment.
Beyond individual features, the Qiddiya Speed Park will boast dual layouts, a high-speed open track alongside a more technical, street-style configuration, allowing the venue to adapt to different types of racing events throughout the year.
However, Qiddiya’s ambitions extend far beyond motorsport. The track is being built as part of the larger Qiddiya City project; a massive entertainment hub blending hotels, theme parks, retail, and cultural spaces. Rather than hosting a single race weekend, Qiddiya aims to create a year-round destination where motorsport is part of a wider leisure experience.
A New Home for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Once completed, Qiddiya is set to become the permanent home of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, mirroring how the Yas Marina Circuit has anchored the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009.
The idea is to create an annual destination that brings fans back year after year. By integrating the track into a broader tourism and entertainment offering.
Since its debut in 2021, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit has carved out its own place in Formula 1 history. Known for being the fastest street circuit on the calendar, with average speeds around 250 km/h and top speeds reaching 322 km/h, it brought a new kind of energy to F1’s Middle Eastern expansion.
Held along the Red Sea, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit introduced Saudi Arabia to the Formula 1 calendar with a high-speed night race. But from the outset, officials signaled that Jeddah was a temporary venue — a stopgap while long-term plans for Qiddiya took shape.
The Middle East’s importance in the Formula 1 calendar continues to grow, with Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia all hosting races.
As construction continues, Saudi Arabia’s next chapter in motorsport is already beginning to take shape, bigger, bolder, and designed to leave a lasting mark on Formula 1.
The Qiddiya Speed Park is expected to be completed by 2027, setting the stage for a permanent home for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
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