SUMMARY
- Saudi Arabia has unveiled a new planned F1 track at Qiddiya.
- The track is set to be next to Six Flags Qiddiya and is set to open in 2027.
Formula 1 is currently bigger than ever and continues to grow by the day. The 2024 calendar is the biggest season the sport has seen in its 70+ year history with 24 races, spanning 20+ different countries. Saudi Arabia was one of the biggest and most famous tracks in F1, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, situated at Jeddah.
The Middle Eastern country has now unveiled plans for a new high-end circuit. The circuit is planned to be opened at Qiddiya with Saudi Arabia’s plans suggesting it to be even more lavish than the current calendar.
Saudi Arabia shares details and images of the Qiddiya circuit
Saudi Arabia has joined the calendar in 2021, hosting the race at the Jeddah circuit. The circuit is part of a bigger construction project situated 30 miles from the capital city of Riyadh. While the Qiddiya track is set to replace Jeddah in the calendar, the nation wants to come to a settlement with F1 to host two races.
The track designer is an ex-F1 driver, Alex Wurz, alongside Herman Tilke. The track is set to feature 21 corners and 108 meters of elevation during the track. The track will be built alongside a Six Flags amusement park in Qiddiya. Six Flags Qiddiya is also set to feature the biggest and the most number of roller coasters in the world.
The nation has also released AI pictures of the track to conceptualize the track that is set to release in 2027.
An exceptional speed park track designed for motorsports lovers, at #QiddiyaCity 🏎️🏁☁️
#PlayLife pic.twitter.com/VlnuqB3WXn
— Qiddiya (@qiddiya_en) March 5, 2024
The circuit is set to have a 20-story-high first corner, with a massive swimming pool that will overlook the track, so that guests can take a dip while enjoying the race. Abdullah Aldawood, the Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company stated, “The Speed Park Track will be a true embodiment of Qiddiya’s power of play philosophy and position Qiddiya City as the home of Saudi motorsport and one of the world’s leading motorsport venues.”
“Visitors and spectators will be treated to one of the most unique race experiences in the world with a pioneering track that will be ready to host some of the world’s biggest motorsport events.”
🚨 Qiddiya, a new circuit in Saudi Arabia, is set to host the country’s F1 Grand Prix in the future
The track is most notable for its elevation changes, there is a gain of 108 metres over the 21-corner lap. pic.twitter.com/KYFCh859a1
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) March 5, 2024
Saudi Arabia is currently under a 10-year contract with Formula 1 to host a race, which means the contract will expire in 2031. The country will look forward to signing another deal with the sport to either have the new track or possibly both the tracks on the calendar.
Saudi Arabian GP 2024 timings and broadcast channels
The Bahrain GP had a very expected result, as was evident after the testing. Max Verstappen took home the win with a massive 22-second margin and will look forward to repeating the result.
Saudi Arabian GP at Jeddah is set to be conducted this weekend, following the same schedule as the Bahrain GP. Here is the schedule for the Saudi Arabian GP:
Date | Event | Time (GMT +3) |
07 March | Free Practice 1 | 4:30-5:30 pm |
07 March | Free Practice 2 | 8:00-9:00 pm |
08 March | Free Practice 3 | 4:30-5:30 pm |
08 March | F1 Saudi Arabian Qualifying | 8:00-9:00 pm |
09 March | F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix | 8:00 pm |
Saudi Arabia gears up for #F1 greatness! 🏎
Experience the intensity of three days of racing excitement. Enhance your journey with a private jet, ensuring your arrival matches the thrill of the F1 Grand Prix. 🚁 pic.twitter.com/S78hCZNEbw
— Kull Jet (@KullJet) February 25, 2024
People across the world can watch the GP on the following broadcast channels:
Country | Platform |
USA | ESPN, ESPN Deportes |
UK | Sky Sports, C4 |
Germany | Sky Deutschland |
Italy | Sky Italia |
France | Canal+ |
India | F1 TV Pro |
However, fans are more interested in the drama off-track than on-track. The situation at Red Bull seems to be volatile and many details are coming forth every day, with rumors of Max Verstappen shifting to Mercedes and Adrian Newey on a possible Ferrari move, following Lewis Hamilton.