The Jeddah Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia

The Jeddah Grand Prix: Formula 1 has found a new home in the coastal city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. After the opening round in Bahrain, the 2023 season will pick up steam with the Jeddah GP, a night race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Following the F1 guest appearance in Jeddah, it's off to Australia - Melbourne.

Jeddah Grand Prix: The Circuit - Jeddah Corniche Circuit

The street circuit winds 6.175 kilometers along the Red Sea coast and, with 27 turns, places high demands on drivers. It is the second longest circuit on the Formula One calendar.

The stunning track in Jeddah, known for its skyscrapers including the Jeddah Tower and King Fahd Fountain, blends harmoniously with its spectacular surroundings. However, Formula 1 is likely to be seen in Riyadh in the near future. Starting in 2024, the Qiddiya Entertainment Complex, designed to host a variety of motorsport events and other entertainment such as camel studs and equestrian competitions, will serve as the new venue.

The Winners of the Jeddah Grand Prix

The Jeddah Grand Prix will be held for only the third time in 2023. Here are the previous winners of the race.

• 2021 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
• 2022 Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
• 2023 Sergio Perez (Red Bull)

Formula 1 and Saudi Arabia: A controversial partnership

Saudi Arabia's involvement in Formula One is not without controversy. Some fans of the sport express dissatisfaction with the decision to hold races in one of Islam's most conservative countries. However, the large sponsorships and investments of up to $27 billion by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman put concerns in the background.

The high-horsepower bolides, which race through the streets of Jeddah at speeds of up to 320 km/h, symbolize Saudi Arabia's ambitious plans to join the world of Formula One. A ten-year agreement worth a staggering $900 million secured the country's hosting of the prestigious event.

Human rights concerns and sport as a catalyst for change

Despite the shiny surface of Formula One in Saudi Arabia, there are concerns about human rights abuses in the country. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton have used their platform to highlight abuses. Hamilton's helmet in rainbow colors during races was a clear sign of support for the LGBT movement.

It remains to be seen whether sport can serve as a vehicle to promote change. The international attention given to Formula One could be a game changer.

Summary on Formula 1 in Jeddah

The development of Formula One in Saudi Arabia is fascinating and complex. With tracks like the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Jeddah and the future Qiddiya Entertainment Complex in Riyadh, the country is setting new standards in the motorsports world. However, human rights concerns cannot be ignored. It remains to be seen what role sport will play in the country's further social development.

A visit to Saudi Arabia for the Jeddah Grand Prix

Jidda, one of Saudi Arabia's largest cities, is a popular tourist destination with a variety of attractions that combine history, culture and modern architecture. Here are some of the city's main attractions:

1. Jeddah Corniche: The coastal promenade offers breathtaking views of the Red Sea and is home to numerous works of art, parks and restaurants.
2. King Fahd Fountain: The world's tallest fountain, which shoots water up to 312 meters into the air, is an impressive sight, especially at night.
3. Jeddah Tower: Still under construction, but already one of the city's most famous sights. The Jeddah Tower is to become one of the tallest buildings in the world with a planned height of over 1,000 meters.
4. Al-Balad: This historic district is the heart of old Jeddah. With its narrow streets and traditional buildings, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the region.
5. Nasseef House: A historic building in the Al-Balad district that preserves the heritage and culture of the region.
6. Floating Mosque: The stunning mosque on stilts over the Red Sea is an architectural marvel and an important place of worship.
7. Jeddah Aquarium: A popular destination for families, housing a variety of marine life from the region.
8. King Fahd Mosque: One of the city's largest mosques, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful interiors.
9. Red Sea Mall: For shopping enthusiasts, this huge mall with a wide selection of stores and restaurants is a must.
10. Fakieh Aquarium: In addition to the aquarium, this center also offers an outdoor pool with dolphin shows, making it fun for the whole family.
11. Atallah Happy Land Park: A popular amusement park in Jeddah with a variety of rides and attractions for young and old alike.
12. King Abdullah Economic City: This planned city near Jeddah exemplifies Saudi Arabia's efforts to drive economic diversification and modernization.

These and many other attractions make Jeddah a fascinating destination that offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Race lovers take note - watch Formula 1 on free TV!

Those who want to watch Formula 1 for free and live on livestream, including the race in Saudi Arabia, can do so with a little trick.