Formula 1 returns this weekend to host round two of the 2024 Formula 1 Calendar, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit established along the Red Sea, has created some thrilling moments that are highlight-worthy, particularly the duel between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in 2021. And will continue to host Formula 1 around the streets of Jeddah until 2030.
With high-speed corners and difficult overtaking opportunities, the Jeddah Corniche circuit is a true test that separates the brave from the bold.
Overview of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit
Embed from Getty ImagesThe 6.174-kilometre circuit originality serves as a temporary placement to host the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. However, the Qiddiya circuit, which is expected to play host in the future, is not ready, with no predicted completion date. But for now, Formula will race near the Red Sea, with a circuit that took only eight months to complete.
Construction began for the ‘Track of Dreams’ in March 2021 and was still under development and finished in time for Formula 1 to race around Jeddah on the 3rd of December 2021. On the same weekend, the Formula 1 fans were presented with a race showered with bits of carbon fibre and a duel that served as the penultimate step of the Formula 1 2021 championship.
Track Layout
Embed from Getty Images50 laps, counter-clockwise circuit resulting in a thrilling 308 kilometres of on-track action. The track packs a sweltering 27 turns producing an average speed of over 150 miles per hour; the most corners ever created for a Formula 1 circuit. Which can result in severe consequences within the blink of an eye. Featuring three high-speed stretches, and two good spots for overtaking consisting of three DRS zones. All of which creates heart-pounding action for over 80 minutes.
Iconic Features
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Jeddah Corniche Circuit hasn’t undergone many changes aside from expanding the width of the track due to the excessive chaos from its inaugural race in 2021. The expansion has provided more overtaking opportunities and allowed the drivers to follow more effectively through most of the high-speed corners. As 2021 demonstrated the amount of chaos that ensued in the Grand Prix. While the track itself looks like a rollercoaster.
Memorable Races around the Jeddah Corniche Circuit
Embed from Getty ImagesAs we head the fourth outing of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Jeddah has already created some incredible highlights that don’t go amiss. Especially when it comes to 2021. Amongst two red flags, two race restarts the two title protagonists Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton locked horns at the front of the pack. Clashing multiple times with the young Dutchman reprimanded with a five-second and 10-second penalty. Allowing for the seven-time world champion to win the race to tie on points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Live Timings
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Formula 1 Saudia Arabian Grand Prix weekend like last week’s race at Bahrain will begin on Thursday concluding on Saturday due to Ramadan.
Thursday (7th March)
1 pm – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Practice One – (Session begins at 1:30 pm)
5 pm – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Practice Two – (Session begins at 5:30 pm)
Friday (8th March)
1:10 pm – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Practice Three – (Session begins at 1:30 pm)
4:10 pm – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Qualifying – (Session begins at 5 pm)
Saturday (9th March)
3:30 pm – The Saudi Arabia Grand Prix – (Session begins at 5 pm)
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1, then why not check out If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? “Precision and Performance: The Data Secrets of Formula 1 Cars” or “Night Lights and Tight Fights: Analysing the Bahrain International Circuit”
Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool