F1: History of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Round 5 of the 2025 F1 season takes us to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Everything You Need to Know about the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is one of the most recent and controversial additions to the F1 calendar. Since its inception, the race has led to excitement and criticism, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing presence in international motorsport while raising concerns beyond the circuit.

The Schedule

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The Beginning

In August 2019, Saudi Arabia unveiled its plans for a state-of-the-art motorsports complex in Qiddiya, a city under development near Riyadh.

Led by Test and Training International, a consultancy led by former F1 driver Alexander Wurz, the project aimed to deliver a world-class circuit built to host every category under the FIA umbrella, including F1.

By January 2020, the vision had taken shape. At a high-profile event, Wurz joined current and former F1 drivers to reveal the Qiddiya layout via a simulator. Officials confirmed the track would meet FIA and FIM Grade 1 standards, though the sport remained publicly silent about any potential race.

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From Proposal to Reality

Despite the silence, Saudi Arabia’s ambition heightened.

In October 2020, the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix appeared on the first draft of the 2021 F1 provisional calendar. The draft carried over all 22 races scheduled for 2020 and added Saudi Arabia as a new stop. 

A month later, confirmation came: Jeddah, not Qiddiya, would host the first race.

Set along the Red Sea coast, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit was introduced in partnership with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. Designed as a temporary venue, Jeddah was to act as host until Qiddiya’s permanent facility was ready.

Plagued with Controversy

While the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix marked a milestone in F1’s expansion into the Middle East, it has not been without backlash.

Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have criticised the event as a form of ‘sportswashing.’ This is a strategic attempt to divert attention from the country’s authoritarian regime and ongoing human rights violations.

F1 has defended its decision, asserting that host nations must respect human rights and that the sport aims to bring positive economic and cultural impact. Nonetheless, criticism persists. The Global Initiative Director at Human Rights Watch, Minky Worden, urged F1 to take a stronger stance, particularly in advocating for imprisoned women’s rights defenders.

Ahead of the inaugural race, 45 human rights organisations called on seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to boycott the event. Their concerns ranged from Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the Yemeni Civil War to the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Saudi authorities, however, denied using the Grand Prix for image rehabilitation, arguing that it aligns with broader efforts to open the country to the world.

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Security Concerns and Political Tensions

Security has also emerged as a key concern.

Following a missile interception in Diriyah during the 2021 Diriyah ePrix, questions were raised about the safety of holding events in the region. F1 reiterated confidence in the Saudi government’s ability to provide adequate protection.

That same year, Hamilton made headlines for his performance on track while wearing a rainbow-coloured helmet. This was recognised as a powerful symbol in support of the LGBTQ+ community. He repeated the gesture in the races before and after Saudi Arabia, highlighting his call for greater inclusivity.

In 2022, political unrest hit even closer; during a practice session, a missile struck an Aramco oil depot just 16 kilometres from the Jeddah circuit.

Though drivers voiced serious concerns, race organisers pressed on after lengthy discussions. The incident occurred just two weeks after Saudi Arabia carried out a mass execution of 81 people, reigniting debate about the regime’s record on human rights.

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit

Despite the controversies, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit has become a statement in F1 history.

Dubbed the fastest street circuit on the calendar, F1 cars reach average speeds of 250 km/h (160 mph). It is also the third-longest circuit in the sport, behind Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and the Las Vegas Strip Circuit in the United States.

Key Data

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Main Photo

Credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Recording Date: 11.03.2024