The 2024 Formula One season is set to be the longest and most exciting one in the history of the sport, with a record 24 races spanning five continents and featuring three Saturday night races. One of the highlights of the calendar will be the Saudi Arabian GP, which will take place on March 9 at the stunning Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
The Saudi Arabian GP made its debut in 2021 as the second fastest street circuit and the second longest track in F1 with 50 laps, 27 turns, three DRS zones and speeds of up to 250 km/h. The race was won by seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton for Mercedes in its inaugural year, and by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in 2022.
The 2024 edition of the race will be the second on the calendar, following the season opener in Bahrain on February 29. The race will also be held on a Saturday night, one day before the beginning of Ramadan, to accommodate the local culture and traditions. The race is expected to attract millions of fans from around the world, who will witness the spectacle of F1 under the lights of Jeddah.
Index Of Article
- When is the Jeddah Prix
- The History of the Jeddah GP
- What to Expect from the Jeddah GP Track Layout
- Where to Watch the Jeddah GP
- Jeddah GP Entrance Tickets
- How to Get to the Jeddah GP
- Accommodation Options for the Jeddah GP
- Other Activities to Enjoy in Jeddah
When is the Saudi Arabian GP
The 2024 Saudi Arabian GP is being held between the 7th to 9th March 2024.
Bookmark this page – Once the full itinerary is released it will be reproduced here.
The History of the Saudi Arabian GP
Motor racing is a relatively new phenomenon in Saudi Arabia, but one that has quickly gained popularity and recognition among the local and international fans.
The Kingdom has hosted some of the most prestigious and exciting events in the world of motorsports.
The Beginnings of Motor Racing in Saudi Arabia
The official governing body of motor racing in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation (SAMF), which was established in 2006 in Riyadh. The SAMF oversees and regulates all aspects of motorsports in the country, from amateur to professional levels.
It also represents Saudi Arabia in various international associations and competitions.
Before the creation of SAMF, motor racing was mostly a hobby for enthusiasts who organized races among themselves.
Some of the earliest forms of motor racing in Saudi Arabia were desert rallies and drag races. These suited the terrain and culture of the country.
One of the pioneers of motor racing in Saudi Arabia was Abdullah Bakhashab. He became the first Saudi driver to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 1993.
Bakhashab participated in 24 WRC events between 1993 and 2002, scoring 4 points and achieving a best finishing in 9th place at the 1995 Acropolis Rally.
Another influential figure in the history of motor racing in Saudi Arabia was Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Faisal. He became the chairman of SAMF in 2018.
Prince Khalid is a former rally driver himself, having competed in the MERC and the GRC, as well as other international events. He has been instrumental in bringing major motorsports events to Saudi Arabia, such as the
- F1 Grand Prix.
- The Formula E Championship
- The Dakar Rally.
He has also been a strong advocate for developing local talent and infrastructure for motor racing in Saudi Arabia.
The Rise of Motor Racing in Saudi Arabia
The first major international motorsports event to be held in Saudi Arabia was the Formula E Championship. It debuted in 2018 at the Ad Dariyah Street Circuit near Riyadh.
Formula E is a racing series for electric-powered cars that aims to promote sustainability and innovation in motorsports. The Ad Diriyah E-Prix was a landmark event for Saudi Arabia, as it showcased its modernization and openness to the world.
The event attracted over 23,000 spectators and featured live music concerts, cultural activities, and entertainment zones.
The next milestone for motor racing in Saudi Arabia was the Saudi Arabian GP. It was held for the first time in 2021 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit along the Red Sea coast.
F1 is the pinnacle of motorsports, featuring the fastest and most advanced cars and drivers in the world. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is the second longest and second fastest street circuit on the F1 calendar. It has with 50 laps, 27 turns, three DRS zones, and speeds of up to 250 km/h.
The inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was a thrilling race that saw Lewis Hamilton win for Mercedes after a fierce battle with Max Verstappen for Red Bull.
Another major motorsport event that Saudi Arabia has hosted since 2020 is the Dakar Rally. It is one of the most challenging and adventurous off-road races in the world. The Dakar Rally covers over 7,000 km across various terrains and landscapes, testing the endurance and skill of drivers and riders from different categories such as cars, bikes, trucks, quads, and buggies.
What to Expect from the Saudi Arabian GP Track Layout
This is the fastest street circuit ever seen in Formula 1, with average speeds of 252 km/h and a top speed of over 320 km/h. It challenges the drivers, thrills the fans and showcase the beauty of Saudi Arabia.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is a temporary street circuit (with some permanent sections) that runs along the waterfront of the Corniche, a 30 km coastal resort area. The circuit is 6.174 km long, making it the second-longest on the 2021 calendar after Spa-Francorchamps.
It features 27 corners, the most of any track this year, many of them fast and flowing as the drivers weave their way along the seafront. The circuit also has three potential DRS zones and several overtaking opportunities, promising plenty of action and drama.
The circuit was designed by the Tilke company, in collaboration with Formula 1’s own Motorsports team. They used Google Earth for their initial investigations into possible layouts.
The aim was to create a track that would be exciting, challenging and unique, while respecting the local culture and environment.
“We worked very closely with the team at Tilke and with the promoter to ensure we have a track that provides exciting wheel-to-wheel racing for our fans and challenges all of the drivers”.
Formula 1 Managing Director of Motorsport, Ross Brawn
The design brings out the best of a modern street circuit but also has fast-paced free-flowing areas that will create fast speeds and overtaking opportunities.
Where to Watch the Saudi Arabian GP
The race takes place on a spectacular street circuit in Jeddah, the second-largest city in the Kingdom and a historic port on the Red Sea. The circuit is the fastest street track in Formula 1 history, with average speeds of 252 km/h and a top speed of over 320 km/h.
It also features 27 corners, the most of any track this year, many of them fast and flowing as the drivers weave their way along the seafront.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit offers several grandstand options for fans, each with its own pros and cons. Here is a brief overview of each grandstand and what to expect from them:
Main Grandstand A
This grandstand is located at the start/finish line, opposite the pits and the podium. It is covered and has a TV screen for fans to follow the race.
The location offers a great view of the pre-race grid, the pit stops, the race start, the race finish and the post-race celebrations.
It is also a good spot to see some overtaking action on the main straight and into turn 1.
The downside of this grandstand is that it is one of the most expensive ones and it does not offer any variety in terms of corner views.
Main Grandstand B
This grandstand is located between the start/finish line and turn 1, on the outside of the track.
It is also covered and has a TV screen. This grandstand offers a good mix of on-track and off-track action. Fans can see the drivers battling for position on the main straight, into turn 1 and around turn 2.
It is also a prime spot to witness the post-race podium celebrations.
The advantage of this grandstand is that it is cheaper than Main Grandstand A, but still offers a lot of excitement.
The disadvantage is that it has a more distant view of the pits and the grid.
Central Grandstands A, B, C and D
These are four grandstands located on the outside of the track, between turns 5 and 8.
They are all covered and have TV screens. These are the only grandstands that offer a view of the circuit’s most distinct characteristic: its fast, flowing corners.
Fans here can see the drivers navigating turns 5 to 8, as well as more distant views of turns 9 to 13. They are ideal for fans who want to see some high-speed action and appreciate the technical challenge of the circuit.
The benefit of these grandstands is that they are cheaper than the main grandstands, but still offer a unique perspective.
The drawback is that they do not offer much overtaking action or off-track spectacle.
General
Each grandstand at the Saudi Arabian GP has something different to offer, depending on what fans are looking for.
My Recommendations
For those who want to see all the drama and ceremony of Formula 1, Main Grandstand A is the best choice.
Fans wanting to see some thrilling racing action at one of the most crucial parts of the track, Main Grandstand B is the best choice.
For those who want to see some high-speed cornering action and enjoy the beauty of the circuit, Central Grandstands A, B, C or D are the best choices.
Saudi Arabian GP Entrance Tickets
Are you interested in buying tickets for the Saudi Arabian GP?
If so, you have several options to choose from, depending on your budget and preference.
You can buy tickets online from the official F1.Com website or from other authorized retailers. You can also buy tickets from resellers or other fans but be careful of scams and frauds.
There are different types of tickets available for the Saudi Arabian GP, such as
- General Admission
- Grandstand Seats
- Hospitality Packages
- Camping Passes
The prices vary depending on the type of ticket, the location of the seat and the day of the event.
The tickets usually go on sale several months before the Grand Prix. They tend to sell out fast, especially for popular grandstands and days. Therefore, it is advisable to book your tickets early and compare prices.
Some of the benefits of buying tickets for the Bahrain GP are:
- You can enjoy the thrill and excitement of watching live motorsport. It is one of the most iconic and historic circuits in the world.
- You can witness some of the best drivers and teams in F1 compete for glory.
- Explore the circuit and its facilities. These include the fan zone, the merchandise stalls, the food and drink outlets and the entertainment shows. Interlagos organizes these during the Grand Prix weekend, such as pit walks, autograph sessions, concerts and parties.
For the Bahrain GP, you can use this advertisement google query to find some options:
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Don’t miss this chance to book your tickets now!
How to Get to the Saudi Arabian GP
Here are some tips and options for travelling to the Saudi Arabian GP:
Travel to the Saudi Arabian GP by Air
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Jeddah is by flying to King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA).
It is located about 15 km north of the circuit and 28 km north of the city center. The airport is one of the busiest in the Middle East. It serves a large number of international destinations, including London, Paris, Dubai, Istanbul, Cairo and more.
Fans can book their flights online or through travel agents and should check the visa requirements for entering Saudi Arabia before travelling.
Travel to the Saudi Arabian GP By Taxi
The most convenient way to get from the airport to the circuit or the city center is by taking a taxi.
It is a plentiful and easy to find at the airport. The taxi fare should be around 50-70 SAR ($13-$19) to the circuit. To the city center it is around 80-100 SAR ($21-$27), depending on traffic and time of day.
Fans should agree on the fare before getting in and ask for a receipt at the end.
Travel to the Saudi Arabian GP By Bus
A cheaper but less comfortable option is to take a public bus from the airport to the circuit or the city center.
The bus service is run by a transport company called SAPTCO, which operates several routes from the airport to different parts of Jeddah.
Fans can check the bus schedules and fares online or at the airport. The bus fare should be around 5-10 SAR ($1-$3) per person, depending on the destination.
Travel to the Saudi Arabian GP By Car
Fans who prefer to drive themselves can rent a car from one of the many car rental companies at the airport or in the city.
Driving in Jeddah can be challenging, especially during peak hours and on unfamiliar roads, so fans should be prepared for traffic jams, road works and aggressive drivers.
Fans should also check the driving regulations and requirements for Saudi Arabia before renting a car.
Travel to the Saudi Arabian by Train
There is no train service between the airport and the circuit or the city center. Fans who want to travel by train will have to take a taxi or a bus first to reach one of the train stations in Jeddah.
The train service is run by a company called Haramain High Speed Rail (HHR), which operates high-speed trains between
- Jeddah
- Mecca
- Medina
- King Abdullah Economic City.
Fans can check the train schedules and fares online or at the stations. The train fare should be around 20-40 SAR ($5-$11) per person, depending on the destination.
The Final Word
There are several ways to get to Jeddah and enjoy the Saudi Arabian GP, each with its own pros and cons. Fans should plan their travel ahead of time and book their tickets online or through travel agents.
Fans should also check the visa requirements, driving regulations and Covid-19 protocols for Saudi Arabia before travelling.
Accommodation Options for the Saudi Arabian GP
Jeddah offers a wide range of accommodation options for fans, from lavish beach resorts to budget hotel rooms with sea views. Here are some tips and options for finding the best accommodation for the Saudi Arabian GP:
By Budget
Fans who want to save money on accommodation can find some cheap hotel rooms in Jeddah.
This is especially true in the Al Balad (Old Jeddah) district, which is the city’s historic and cultural center.
Fans can also find some affordable apartments or guesthouses on online platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com.
Fans who want to splurge on accommodation can find some luxurious beach resorts in Jeddah, especially in the Ash Shati (Waterfront) district. This is the city’s entertainment and leisure center. Fans can also find some exclusive hotels or villas on online platforms like Expedia or Hotels.com.
By location:
Fans who want to stay close to the circuit can find some convenient hotel rooms in Jeddah, especially in the Al Hamra’s district, which is an upscale waterfront area that sits between the circuit and the city center.
Fans can also find some nearby hotels or apartments on online platforms like Agoda or Tripadvisor.
If you want to stay away from the circuit you will find some relaxing beach destinations north of Jeddah, such as Dahahban and Thuwal.
International chain hotels close to the circuit include
- Shangri-La Jeddah
- Holiday Inn Jeddah Gateway
- Jeddah Hilton Hotel
- Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq
- Sheraton Jeddah Hotel
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah Corniche
Affordable 3-star hotels and aparthotels with good ratings and close to the circuit include
By Package
The most convenient option is to book their accommodation together with your tickets, flights and transfers. Ensure that the travel agencies or tour operators are reputable and have been in business for a long time.
Other Activities to Enjoy in Jeddah
Jeddah is not only the host city of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, but also a vibrant and diverse destination that offers many attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you are looking for culture, adventure, entertainment or relaxation, Jeddah has something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do in Jeddah for a fun-filled vacation:
Shopping
Jeddah is a shopper’s paradise, with a variety of malls, markets and souks to explore. You can find everything from international brands to local handicrafts, from luxury goods to bargain deals.
Some of the best places to shop in Jeddah are the Red Sea Mall, the Mall of Arabia, the Al-Balad Souk and the Nasseef House.
Exploring The Historical Sites
Jeddah has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times.
You can discover the city’s heritage and culture by visiting some of its historical sites, such as the Al-Balad district. This is the old town of Jeddah and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here you can see the traditional coral houses, the ancient mosques, the colorful markets and the Nasseef House. This is a museum and cultural center.
You can also visit the King Fahd’s Fountain, which is the world’s tallest fountain and a symbol of Jeddah.
Spending Time at The Corniche
The Corniche is the waterfront promenade that runs along the Red Sea coast for 30 km.
It is one of the most popular places in Jeddah for recreation and leisure, as it offers
- Stunning views
- Beautiful beaches
- Lush parks
- Lively cafes
- Restaurants
You can enjoy a walk, a bike ride, a picnic or a swim at the Corniche, or visit some of its landmarks, including
- The Jeddah Flagpole, which is the world’s tallest flagpole
- The Al-Shallal Theme Park, which is an amusement park with rides, games and an ice-skating rink.
Camping In the Desert
If you want to experience the beauty and adventure of the Saudi Arabian desert, you can go camping in one of the many desert camps near Jeddah.
You can enjoy a night under the stars, a bonfire, a barbecue, a camel ride or a dune buggy ride. You can also learn about the Bedouin culture and traditions from your local guides.
Some of the best desert camps near Jeddah are Al-Kharrarah Camp, Al-Arada Camp and Al-Majma’ah Camp.
Beach Tours
Jeddah is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in Saudi Arabia, with crystal clear water, white sand and coral reefs.
You can enjoy a relaxing day at one of the public or private beaches in Jeddah. You could also join a beach tour that will take you to some of the best spots for swimming, snorkeling or diving.
Or explore some of the nearby islands, such as Tiran Island or Farasan Island, which are home to diverse marine life and wildlife.
