We are also going to see the eccentricities that Saudi Arabia has accustomed us to in its new Formula 1 circuit, carrying as its flag its architecture of the impossible. a few days ago came to light The latest images of the Qiddiya Speed Park, showing that the construction of its most spectacular curve (an elevated straight that exceeds 70 meters in height) has already begun. The project aims to host its first F1 race in 2028.
New F1 circuit. On the outskirts of Riyadh, the Saudi capital, it is taking shape one of the most ambitious circuits never designed. The Qiddiya Speed Park is part of Qiddiya, a new city that is rising in the middle of the desert and is still under construction. The Saudi government finances it as part of its Vision 2030. The latest photographs already show the support structures of its first curve, named The Blade.
What’s special about it. This corner will be the first in motorsport history to be built on an elevated platform. According to the project specifications, will reach more than 70 meters high (the equivalent of a 20-story building) and is designed with an inclination of 10 degrees. A concert hall will be located below it.
The total gradient that the drivers will face along the route will be about 108 meters, something unprecedented in the F1 calendar. Some they are already comparing the circuit with the Mario Kart Rainbow Trail and everything (no wonder).
Who is behind the design? The circuit has been designed by Hermann Tilke, the 71-year-old German civil engineer who designs most of the championship’s modern layouts: Jeddah, Las Vegas, Singapore, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Austin and Shanghai, among others. In this project he also had the collaboration of former F1 driver Alexander Wurz. The result will be a 21-turn circuit that promises to surpass the current Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps as the longest on the Formula 1 calendar.
The project. The circuit’s construction budget is around $480 million. The works began in 2024 and the initial objective is for the track to be completed in 2027 to debut in the championship in 2028, although some sources they point that the premiere could be delayed until 2029. It would not be the first time, since the circuit has already accumulated several delays compared to its original date (it was initially set in 2024). Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will continue to be held at the Jeddah Street Circuit.
What’s around the circuit. Qiddiya is not just a circuit. The complex will include theme parksa soccer stadium that will host 2034 World Cup matches and a Six Flags theme park. A Mercedes “World of Performance” will also be built near the Speed Park. It is, in short, part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to turning this new city into an international tourism and entertainment hub.
“That’s what Saudi Arabia does, so all due respect to them coming up with such crazy things and trying to make it as cool as it looks. There are a lot of places that aren’t nearly as lively or fun. If you want to attract people to the sport, you don’t want it to be just a circuit in the middle of nowhere that no one goes to,” declared Lando Norris, current F1 world champion, told Express.
What’s missing for it to be official. Before Qiddiya Speed Park can host an F1 race, the circuit will need to be inspected and homologated by the FIA. If it also aspires to host the MotoGP, it will also need the approval of the FIM. There is still some time left and the actual schedule of the project will depend largely on how the works progress in the next two years, so it seems that we will have to sit and wait.
Images | ahmed baokbah
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