Situated in Jeddah, a prominent Red Sea port city in Saudi Arabia, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is a 6.174 km (approximately 3.836 miles) long circuit that made its debut on the F1 calendar in 2021.
Among the circuits featured on the Formula One calendar, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit ranks as the third longest, surpassed only by Spa-Francorchamps and the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
Jeddah Corniche Circuit
| First Grand Prix | 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix |
| Number of Laps | 50 |
| Circuit Length | 6.174km |
| Race Distance | 308.45 km |
| Lap Record | 1:30.734 Lewis Hamilton (2021) |
Circuit
When was the Jeddah Corniche Circuit built?
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, located in the coastal resort area of Jeddah, is a modern track design, merging the traditional aspects of a street track with permanent features stretching along the Corniche, a 30 km coastal strip.
Designed by the Tilke company, renowned for their work in Formula 1 circuit design, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit was developed in collaboration with Formula 1’s own Motorsports team headed by former Formula One driver Alexander Wurz. Remarkably, their initial layout investigations utilised Google Earth, demonstrating an innovative approach to circuit design, where technology played a crucial role in conceptualising and mapping the track.
By January 2020, development was formally announced at a special event. Alexander Wurz was present, along with several current and former Formula One drivers. These drivers had the chance to experience the proposed track layout first-hand through a racing simulator, offering a virtual taste of what the circuit would offer.
Ross Brawn, a prominent figure in Formula 1, emphasised his desire for the circuit to be a true racing track rather than conforming to the stereotypical mould of street circuits with their characteristic 90-degree turns. His vision for the Jeddah Corniche Circuit was to create a fast, sweeping track to challenge and excite the drivers, combining high speeds with technical complexity and increasing the entertainment factor for the fans.
When was the first Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?
The first Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit took place on the 5th of December, 2021.
The inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix marked a significant expansion of Formula 1’s presence in the Middle East. This event joined the existing Middle Eastern races in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, further cementing the region’s status as a key destination in the Formula 1 calendar.
Like its counterparts in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix featured a night race under floodlights. This choice not only added a visual spectacle to the event but also aligned with the logistical considerations of hosting races in the region. Night races in the Middle East offer more favourable conditions for both drivers and spectators, considering the high daytime temperatures.
The inclusion of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix represented a strategic move by Formula 1 to tap into new markets and audiences. The Middle East has shown a growing interest in motorsports, and by expanding its footprint in the region, Formula 1 aimed to capitalise on this interest and develop a stronger fan base. Moreover, these races are part of the sport’s broader global strategy, which seeks to diversify the geographic spread of races and bring the sport closer to fans worldwide.
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix also demonstrated the region’s capability and ambition to host world-class sporting events. The race added to the growing portfolio of high-profile international sports hosted in the Middle East, showcasing the region’s state-of-the-art facilities, organisational expertise, and commitment to developing a sporting culture.
Jeddah Corniche Circuit lap record
The official lap record for the current F1 Grand Prix circuit layout is 1:30.734, set by Lewis Hamilton during the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix driving for Mercedes.
