Formula 1: Saudi Arabia to host race in 2021

The inaugural Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix night race will be held in Jeddah in November 2021.

The race, part of a long-term partnership between Formula 1 and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), will be run on a street track, although there are plans to move it to a purpose-built circuit in the future.

“No matter where in the world it’s held, Formula 1 is an event that brings people together to celebrate an occasion that goes far beyond sport. We look forward to sharing this unique experience and sharing Jeddah with the world. For many Saudis this will be a dream come true,” said Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud, Minister of Sport.

The 33rd country to host a round of the Formula 1 world championship

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Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal, president of SAMF added: “I firmly believe the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will be the biggest sports event hosted in our country’s history and has the potential to change lives, perceptions and reach new audiences and communities like never before. To have the icons of the sport and historic teams race in Saudi in front of young fans and families is truly game-changing.”

Further details on the date, location and Jeddah street circuit layout will be revealed subsequently, alongside ticket information too.

“The region is hugely important to us and with 70 per cent of the population of Saudi being under thirty we are excited about the potential to reach new fans and bring our existing fans around the world exciting racing from an incredible and historic location. We will be publishing our full provisional 2021 calendar in the coming weeks,” confirmed Chase Carey, chairman and CEO of Formula 1.

According to the Formula 1 website, Saudi Arabia has connections with F1 that date back to 1978, when the national Saudia airline sponsored Williams. The ‘Fly Saudia’ branded team won their first world championships in 1980 with Alan Jones.

More recently, Saudi Aramco signed a long-term deal to became the sixth global partner of Formula 1 earlier this year, alongside DHL, Emirates, Heineken, Pirelli and Rolex.

This year’s Formula 1 season has been impacted due to the Covid-19 with the majority of venues sealed off and the races conducted without any spectators at the tracks.

The only two Arab countries within the Middle East that currently host Formula 1 races are Bahrain and the UAE.

Bahrain will host two F1 races this year on November 29 and December 6, while the season’s final race will be held in Abu Dhabi on December 13.

Read: Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix confirmed for Dec 13 with no spectators