Jeddah will be the venue for a Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for the first time in November 2021, as one of the world’s biggest sports events makes Saudi Arabia its new home. It will see the world’s best drivers and constructors race through the streets of Jeddah for a spectacular night race.
The street race will start and finish on the Jeddah corniche (picture below), which runs along the banks of the Red Sea, providing a stunning coastal backdrop for a full weekend of live motorsport, entertainment and culture. The race will be the first event of a long-term partnership between Formula 1 and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF). It is the latest addition to the Saudi Arabian international sports calendar as part of the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 programme, intended to inspire people through sport.
His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud, on the development: “Saudi Arabia is accelerating forward and the speed, energy, excitement of Formula 1 perfectly reflects the transformational journey the country is on. As we’ve witnessed in recent years our people want to be at the very heart of the biggest moments in live sport and entertainment. And they don’t come any bigger than Formula 1. No matter where in the world it’s held, Formula 1 is an event that brings people together to celebrate an occasion that goes far beyond sport. We look forward to sharing this unique experience and sharing Jeddah with the world. For many Saudis this will be a dream come true.”
He continued: “Sport is one area driving a massive transformation of the country through Vision 2030 and we are making incredible progress in inspiring our communities to get involved. Community participation underpins all our major events and in simple terms more people are taking part in more sports than ever before whether young or old, boys or girls.”
His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal, President of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation added: “We have a rich motorsport heritage but in a short space of time as a federation we’ve earned a strong reputation of delivering world-class international events such as Formula E and the Dakar Rally. As a result, Saudi Arabia is home to literally millions of passionate young fans of motorsport. Many of whom will already be smiling and counting down to seeing their heroes in November 2021. Our plans will see us take the sport to even more people with a celebration that reaches all communities and is open to all.”
Other international schedule of motoring events now hosted in Saudi includes FIA Formula E, Dakar Rally and Extreme E. Motorsport is only second to football in popularity and the nation boasts a long association with Formula 1; from local companies supporting the Williams racing team in the late 1970s, through to the existing global partnership with Aramco. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is promoted by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and supported by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sport and Quality of Life Initiative under the Vision 2030 programme. Further details will revealed in due course.
Chase Carey, Chairman and CEO, Formula 1, commented:
“The region is hugely important to us and with 70% of the population of Saudi being under thirty we are excited about the potential to reach new fans and bring our existing fans around the world exciting racing from an incredible and historic location. We will be publishing our full provisional 2021 calendar in the coming weeks and this will be submitted to the World Motorsport Council for approval.”
Cover image: Left to Right: Prince Khaled Al Faisal, Chase Carey, Prince Abdulaziz Al Saud – Imola
