The monumental 23 races calendar for the season of 2021 is definitely full of surprises. With the comeback of track such as Portimao and Imola and the comeback of Dutch GP (that was planned for 2020 but eventually was scrapped off due to the pandemic), F1 decided to include one more new addition: the Saudi Arabian GP. The race will take place on the 5th of December, and will be located at a street circuit in Jeddah. Today, F1 revealed the layout for said circuit. 

A formidable 6.175km ribbon of 27 corners, with a simulated average speed of more than 250km/h… 😱#F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/FNVywZ6p2f

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 18, 2021

What is claimed to be the “fastest street circuit in the F1 history” is a layout consisting of 6.175km in total (2nd longest to Spa-Francorchamps in general) and 27 corners, with a predicted in simulations average speed of 250hm/h. It has a potential to have 3 different DRS zones, which ultimately will have to be approved by FIA. As we knew prior, the race will most likely be another one hosted under artificial light, and with the area it will be build at (the Jeddah’s Corniche area, by the Red Sea coast and around 12km away from the city centre) it will definitely be an interesting setting for the Saudi Arabian GP. 

The track was developed in close collaboration between the F1 Motorsport team led by Ross Brawn and Tilke GmbH & Co. KG, with the latter being no new name in F1 as Hermann Tilke designed many different old and current tracks where the Queen of Motorsports is racing (I.e Bahrain, Shanghai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Sochi and Austin, to name a few). 

Experience all 2️⃣7️⃣ of Jeddah's ultrafast corners 🎥#F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/eJwXsdm4Tj

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 18, 2021

As said by Ross Brawn, the F1 Managing Director: “It’s always very exciting to release the details of a new circuit and the Jeddah Street Circuit is no exception. We have worked 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. 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. The setting is incredible, on the Red Sea, and we can’t wait to see the cars on track in December.”

As said by HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal, President of the Saudi Automobile & Motorsport Federation (SAMF): "Even though this is the first time we will host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, delivering such important international events is further confirmation of the Kingdom’s ability to manage and organise these events to the highest standards for our fans and growing young population.”