Jeddah

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit stands as a spectacular racing venue on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coastline. This street circuit combines exceptional speed with technical challenges that test the skills of the world's best drivers. The circuit stretches along the Jeddah Corniche, offering stunning coastal views and creating a unique racing experience. Since its debut in 2021, the track has established itself as one of Formula 1's most exciting and demanding venues.

Technical Specifications and Records

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit measures 6.174 kilometers (3.836 miles) in length, making it the longest street circuit in Formula 1 and the third-longest track on the entire calendar. Only Spa-Francorchamps and the Las Vegas Strip Circuit exceed its length. The circuit features 27 turns in total, with 16 left-hand corners and 11 right-hand corners. This corner count surpasses every other circuit on the F1 calendar. The track holds the record as the fastest street circuit in Formula 1, with an average speed exceeding 250 km/h (158.2 mph). Cars reach top speeds above 320 km/h on multiple sections, with peak speeds hitting 322 km/h. Three DRS zones provide overtaking opportunities throughout the lap. A standard F1 race consists of 50 laps, covering a total distance of 308.45 kilometers. Lewis Hamilton set the official lap record of 1:30.734 during the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, driving a Mercedes W12.

Track Layout and Design

Carsten Tilke designed the circuit in collaboration with Formula 1's Motorsports team. The layout runs anti-clockwise and differs from traditional street circuits by focusing on high-speed, flowing corners rather than tight 90-degree turns. The track maintains close proximity to concrete barriers, particularly at corner apexes, which demands extreme precision from drivers. Turn 13 includes a 12-degree banking that adds significant challenge for both tires and drivers. A large portion of the circuit runs alongside a lagoon, creating scenic views for spectators. The circuit holds an FIA Grade 1 license, the highest standard for racing facilities. State-of-the-art LED lighting systems enable night racing, producing a spectacular visual experience. The venue includes premium paddock facilities and grandstands that accommodate over 50,000 spectators.

Racing History and Events

Construction of the circuit took only seven to ten months, a remarkably short timeframe for such an extensive facility. The track hosted its first Formula 1 race on December 5, 2021, marking Saudi Arabia's entry into the F1 calendar. The circuit has hosted the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix annually since 2021 and added the FIA Formula 2 Championship the same year. In 2022, a shorter version of the track hosted the FIA WTCR Race of Saudi Arabia. From 2025, the circuit will host the Formula E Jeddah ePrix using a shortened 3.001-kilometer layout with 19 turns. Other racing series include F1 Academy, F4 Saudi Arabian Championship, GT4 European Series, GT World Challenge Europe 6 Hours of Jeddah, and Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East.

Future Plans and Sustainability

The circuit will host the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix until at least 2027. After this period, the race may move to a new purpose-built facility in Qiddiya. The venue has implemented several sustainability measures, including solar energy systems that power 86 banners, reducing total electrical consumption by 82.7%. The facility also uses LED lights throughout and employs water-saving irrigation techniques to minimize environmental impact.