Photo: Qiddiya Media
Everything we know about new Saudi Arabian F1 track plans
Saudi Arabia is building a new Formula 1 track in Qiddiya, near Riyadh, but it won’t be ready for a few more years. Until then, the race will stay in Jeddah.
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ABOUT THE TRACK AND QIDDIYA
The Qiddiya track is a new Formula 1 circuit being built near Riyadh, in a place called Qiddiya, which is part of a massive entertainment and tourism project. The Saudi government calls it “the world’s first city built for play,” because it will include theme parks, sports venues, shops, hotels, and much more. Formula 1 is one of the main attractions planned for the city.
The circuit is being designed by Tilke Engineers, who have created many modern Formula 1 tracks, and by former F1 driver Alex Wurz. It is meant to be fast, exciting, and full of dramatic moments. There will be big elevation changes, long straights, and corners that challenge the drivers. Wurz has described the circuit as “a rollercoaster ride,” which shows how different and fun it’s meant to be.
This track is also part of a bigger goal: to build motorsport in Saudi Arabia from the ground up. It won’t only be used for big international races, but also for training young drivers and engineers. “Now we’re starting to concentrate on growing the grassroots of the sport here in the Kingdom,” said Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Motorsport Company.
WHEN IS IT COMING?
Although the Qiddiya track is planned to be completed in 2027, Formula 1 might not race there straight away. That’s because the circuit is just one part of a much bigger area. Roads, hotels, transport, and fan zones also need to be ready. Qiddiya is nearly 400 square kilometres in size, so it takes time to finish everything.
“The track is going to be ready in ’27,” said Prince Khalid, “but it’s going to be determined by the other surrounding projects. If you’re going to be finished on time or there’s going to be delays… sometimes in these megaprojects, there are delays.”
The original plan was for Qiddiya to replace Jeddah in 2024, but because the project expanded, that timeline changed. Now, Prince Khalid says the move will not happen before 2027, and more likely in 2028 or 2029. “We’re not in a rush to move from Jeddah,” he said. “If everything goes well and we feel comfortable, and Formula 1 feels comfortable going there… maybe 2028, maybe 2029.”
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR JEDDAH?
While Qiddiya is being finished, the Formula 1 Grand Prix will stay in Jeddah. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit was originally planned as a short-term solution, but because Qiddiya has taken longer than expected, Jeddah will now stay on the calendar for several more years.
Jeddah’s track, which opened in 2021, is one of the fastest circuits in Formula 1. It’s built right next to the Red Sea and has hosted dramatic night races since its first event. Although it is described as a “street track,” it is actually a purpose-built facility designed just for racing.
There have been suggestions that both Jeddah and Qiddiya could host races in the future, or even take turns each year. But nothing has been decided yet. “To have two races or rotate between Qiddiya and Jeddah, it is too early to discuss,” said Prince Khalid. “Our main focus now is to enjoy what’s remaining in Jeddah and look forward to move to the new facility in Qiddiya.”
