Saudi Arabia has announced plans for one of the most striking and technologically advanced Formula 1 racing circuits ever conceived. The new track, part of the kingdom’s vast Qiddiya City development near Riyadh, is designed to feature a dramatic opening corner that rises as high as a 20-storey building, a feat set to distinguish it from any existing circuit in world motorsport.

A Landmark for Qiddiya City

The circuit, known officially as the Qiddiya Speed Park Track, forms a centerpiece of the country’s multi-billion-dollar entertainment and tourism hub. Qiddiya City is envisioned as a global destination for culture, sport, and leisure, incorporating theme parks, shopping, and live entertainment alongside state-of-the-art sporting facilities.

The track has been designed by Austrian architect Hermann Tilke, who has overseen several modern Formula 1 venues. According to official details released by Qiddiya Investment Company, the facility will be FIA Grade 1 certified, making it eligible to host top-tier international racing events, including Formula 1.

The Blade: A Corner Like No Other

The standout feature of the circuit is a section known as “The Blade”, a vertiginous first corner that climbs roughly 70 meters into the air, equivalent to a 20-storey building. Renderings show a sweeping, elevated curve that will test drivers’ precision while also offering fans an iconic landmark.

“The Blade is designed to be an instantly recognizable symbol of Qiddiya,” the developers said in promotional material. “It will provide spectators with panoramic views across the track and the surrounding city, while challenging drivers with unique elevation changes.”

Technical Specifications

Beyond its dramatic opening sequence, the track will feature:

• 21 turns spread across a dynamic layout.

• Elevation changes of more than 100 meters, making it one of the most undulating circuits in modern motorsport.

• Top speeds exceeding 325 km/h, ensuring it remains one of the fastest circuits on the calendar.

• A range of viewing options, including grandstands, VIP areas, and even pools with direct views of the racing action.

The Speed Park is being integrated into Qiddiya’s broader entertainment ecosystem. Attractions such as the Middle East’s first Six Flags theme park, a water park, golf courses, and e-sports arenas are all planned in the same complex, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s drive to diversify its economy under the Vision 2030 strategy.

Scheduled for 2027

Construction is already under way, with the project’s opening targeted for 2027. While Saudi Arabia already hosts a Formula 1 Grand Prix at the high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the long-term plan is for Qiddiya to become the permanent home of Formula 1 in the kingdom.

However, motorsport analysts caution that ambitious megaprojects can face delays, and the exact date for the inaugural race remains subject to progress on the wider Qiddiya City development.

A Statement of Intent

Saudi Arabia’s entry into the Formula 1 landscape has been rapid and headline-grabbing. The Jeddah street circuit joined the calendar in 2021, while the Qiddiya project underscores the nation’s determination to position itself as a global hub for sport and entertainment.

If completed as planned, the Qiddiya Speed Park Track will not only raise the bar for racing infrastructure but also create one of the most visually iconic circuits in Formula 1 history. For drivers, it promises an unparalleled technical challenge; for fans, an unforgettable spectacle; and for Saudi Arabia, a symbol of its ambition to lead on the world stage.