History of Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 19, 2025

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is a Formula One motor racing event that debuted in 2021. Held at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, it's contracted to remain there until 2027. Initially the second-to-last race of the 2021 season, its position shifted to an earlier slot in the subsequent 2022 season.

August 2019: Plans for motorsports complex in Qiddiya made public

In August 2019, plans were announced to build a permanent motorsports complex in Qiddiya, near Riyadh. The project was designed by Test and Training International to host all FIA categories, including Formula One.

January 2020: Race track in Qiddiya officially confirmed

In January 2020, the plans for a race track in Qiddiya were officially confirmed at an event. Track designer Alexander Wurz and Formula One drivers were present, with the track designed to FIA and FIM Grade 1 standards.

October 2020: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on provisional calendar

In October 2020, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix appeared on the first draft of the 2021 Formula One provisional calendar, presented at a Formula One Commission meeting.

November 2020: Jeddah to host inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

In November 2020, Jeddah was announced as the host city for the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, in collaboration with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit would be located along the Red Sea shore.

February 2021: Call for boycott of the Grand Prix

In February 2021, 45 human rights organizations called on Lewis Hamilton to boycott the Grand Prix, citing Saudi Arabia's role in the Yemeni Civil War and the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi.

2021: Concerns after Diriyah ePrix missile interception

Following the missile interception in Diriyah during the 2021 Diriyah ePrix, questions were raised about the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix's viability. Formula One stated they would never go to high security risk areas. During the 2021 race, Lewis Hamilton wore a rainbow-colored helmet to support the LGBT community.

2021: Inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

In 2021, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix took place for the first time in Jeddah, marking the inaugural edition of the race.

2021: Inaugural race carried over from 2020 calendar

In 2021, the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was carried over from the original 2020 calendar, featuring 22 races.

October 2022: Interest in dual or alternating races

In October 2022, Saudi Arabia's minister of sport Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud expressed interest in having both Jeddah and Qiddiya host annual Formula One races or for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to alternate between the two venues, once the Qiddiya track opens.

2022: Move to early-season slot

In 2022, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was moved into an early-season slot after being the penultimate race in 2021.

2022: Missile attack and human rights concerns

The 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was impacted by a missile attack on an Aramco oil depot, approximately 16 kilometres from the circuit, causing an explosion during practice sessions. Concerns about human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia were also raised.

January 2023: Race expected to be in Jeddah until 2027

In January 2023, race organizers anticipated that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix would be held in Jeddah until 2027, while work on the Qiddiya track continues, after which the Jeddah circuit may still be used for a separate Saudi Arabian Formula One race alongside Qiddiya.