Formula 1: the circuit of Jeddah

In 2021, a breathtaking and extremely fast street circuit on the shores of the Red Sea was realized in Jeddah within nine months. However, the next step in Saudi Arabia is already under development and will surpass everything. "You will not believe your eyes."

After Formula One Management (FOM) gave the green light to host a Formula One Grand Prix, reportedly for an annual fee of over $50 million, Saudi Arabia added a new showpiece to their sports portfolio, alongside the Spanish Supercup, the Dakar Rally and Formula E, with the arrival of the world's most beloved race.

World champion Max Verstappen

It would have been hard to miss: at the end of what is already a historic Formula 1 season in 2021, Max Verstappen was crowned world champion for the first time. The Dutch sports hero made history by overtaking Lewis Hamilton, his biggest rival at the time, in the final lap of the final race.

However, the decisive finale in Abu Dhabi is not the only race that will remain in the collective memory. The battle already reached a boiling point a week earlier, at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix. The script that unfolded on Dec. 5, 2021 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, could have been conceived by Steven Spielberg: two rivals, a bizarre plot twist and an epic denouement. Saudi Arabia's brand-new F1 circuit thus had a dream debut.

The fastest F1 circuit on the calendar

The Jeddah Corniche F1 Circuit in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah is the latest addition to the global racing calendar after Madrid. And what an addition it is. The asphalt loop designed by renowned circuit designer Hermann Tilke is over six kilometers long and has no fewer than 27 turns. As befits a street circuit, the walls are very close to the asphalt. So there's no room for error! For months, billboards along the side of the road advertised the circuit as "The Fastest Street Circuit in F1." That turned out to be no exaggeration. Max Verstappen and his competitors achieved an average speed of 252 kilometers per hour.

However, the drivers were not the only ones picking up the pace. The construction company that built the track was engaged in a race against the clock for a long time. A few days before the start, construction was still in full swing. But they succeeded: the F1 circuit of Jeddah was completed in a record time of eight months.

Racing at a triple-A location in Saudi Arabia

From the deafening roar of engines to the smell of burning rubber; attending a Formula One race is an unforgettable experience. Especially if you watch the race in Jeddah. The winding F1 course is flanked on one side by the Red Sea and on the other side by brand new high-rise buildings. Moreover, the GP takes place in Saudi's high season and you will enjoy pleasant temperatures during the GP.

Even outside the racing event, a visit to the Corniche of Djedda is worthwhile. If you want, you can walk in the tire tracks of the drivers and take the same route as they did in their cars. True racing fans know: it is a magical feeling to walk across such a battlefield. Furthermore, the coastal strip features landscaped lagoons, pearly white beaches, imposing hotels and a marina. Who knows, you might run into an ex-Formula 1 driver here ... Also take a look at the official F1 Visitors Center. The last Formula One race on the Djedda street circuit took place on April 20, 2025 where Max Verstappen finished 2nd. Oscar Piastri walked away with the top prize. In 2026, the race will take place from April 17 to 19.

Formula 1 calendar 2026

The Formula One season begins with the Australian Grand Prix on the weekend of March 6-8 and ends with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from December 4-6. Five of the seven continents will be visited.

In 2026, Ramadan falls in February and March, which means the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix will again be held in April.

The calendar shows further improvements in the geographical make-up of the races, including the Grand Prix of Canada now taking place earlier, from May 22-24, right after Miami. This provides significant logistical efficiencies, as some materials can be transported directly from one event to the next.

This change allows for a continuous European portion of the season during the summer months, beginning in Monaco from June 5-7 and ending in Spain, where Madrid makes its debut on the F1 calendar from Sept. 11-13.

The championship then returns to Asia with the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, followed by a triptych in the Americas, after which the season will conclude in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Qiddiya, entertainment capital under construction

Qiddiya is part of the Vision 2030-initiative. Qiddiya will focus on various themes such as entertainment (amusement park), sports and health (stadiums and a race track), arts and culture (museums) and nature and environment. Qiddiya is intended to become a tourist destination unparalleled worldwide. It promises to be a project that overwhelms visitors with a multitude of activities, at once disruptive, immersive, innovative, without equal and - it is Saudi Arabia, after all - on a scale never before seen.

The plan is to eventually hold Formula 1 races in Qiddiya. The race track will set a new standard. The Qiddiya race track will be completed in 2027 at the earliest and is set to become the longest and fastest track in the world.