In the land of excess, there’s always room for something more extravagant.
I speak of the designs for the new Formula 1 track to be built in the city of Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia already has one Formula 1 race on the calendar each year in Jeddah, but they’re building a new second track in Qiddiya City. As of right now the country’s Formula 1 contract only has them hosting one F1 race a year, but things could change by the time the new track is ready in 2027. I guess they could always switch between their two tracks each year.
So why build a second track to begin with?
Haven’t you ever heard the expression two is better than one? If that isn’t a saying it should be, at least Saudi Arabia thinks so!
So let’s talk about one of the most amazing design features of the new Qiddiya City Formula 1 race track.
To begin with, the track will feature 21 corners, which is more corners than 22 of the current 24 tracks on the Formula 1 calendar right now. It’ll have over 350 feet of elevation changes; think steep hill climbs and fast descents. The standout feature, which is being called “The Blade”, is the 1st corner of that track that will soar 20 stories above the race course, and will feature a concert venue underneath.
Unprecedented is the first term that comes to my mind, followed by the realization that this single corner will be the most expensive turn of any race course in the history of racing!
The Qiddiya Formula 1 race course is being designed by former F1 driver Alex Wurz, who has raced for Benetton, Williams, and McLaren Formula 1 teams, and veteran designer Herman Tilke. The course is expected to open for the 2027 Formula 1 season.
Saudi Arabia’s New F1 Track Will Have a First Corner 20 Stories Above Ground