Saudi Arabia is swiftly becoming a star destination for the luxury market. Exciting developments like The Red Sea and existing stays across deserts and cities mean that luxury holidays in Saudi Arabia are leading the way. The country's innovation is only enhancing its appeal to luxury travellers, including its addition to the Michelin Guide and its F1 advancements.
Formula 1 is in a period of rapid change. Since being purchased by Liberty Media in 2017, the sport's popularity has skyrocketed. This has led to increased competition to secure a much-coveted place on the F1 calendar. One of the few nations to have turned this dream into a reality is Saudi Arabia, but the Saudi F1 race in Jeddah is only the tip of the iceberg. In fact, the country has quickly established itself as one of the most influential nations in the sport, with plans for another new Saudi F1 circuit near Riyadh and the financial investment being made by state owned oil company Aramco who have become far more than just another sponsor.
With the sport entering a new era of sustainable fuels in 2026 on the back of future proof technical regulations, we take a look at the significant role Saudi Arabia is set to play in F1 over the coming decade.
New Saudi F1 Race
Formula 1 has added a number of new street tracks to its calendar in recent years as part of its mission to bring the sport to the fans in heavily populated regions. However, none of these circuits can match the incredible spectacle created by the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
First added to the calendar in 2021, the Jeddah Circuit is officially the sports fastest street track, with an average speed higher than even full time racing venues such as Silverstone. Not only is it fast, but the walls are also close, increasing the jeopardy drivers face as they navigate the 27 corner layout.
The five Grands Prix held at the circuit since its addition to the calendar have lived up to the hype, with the first race in 2021 being the scene of a controversial squabble between title rivals Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Hamilton triumphed on this occasion but Red Bull has been a consistently strong contender at all five of the races so far, with Verstappen winning in 2022 and 2024 and his team-mate Sergio Perez taking an unexpected win in 2023.
However, the greater significance of the 2023 event when it comes to Saudi Arabian F1 involvement was a 3rd place finish for Fernando Alonso in his Aramco-backed Aston Martin F1 car, underlining the progress that the team and fuel company was making on its quest to conquer the motor racing world.
Qiddiya Speed Park
While the Jeddah Corniche Circuit has already made a massive mark on the sport, the country is not resting on its laurels. In fact, Saudi Arabia has already started building a new Saudi F1 circuit which is set to replace Jeddah on the F1 calendar in 2027.
Construction of the Qiddiya speed park just outside of Riyadh began in 2019, with recently revealed plans pointing towards the new Saudi F1 circuit being unlike any other venue the sport has visited before. Firstly, the designers are aiming to completely overhaul the fan experience, with Qiddiya Speed Park not featuring any grandstands. Instead, there will be hospitality venues situated across the new city which is being built around the circuit. This will appeal to those looking for a luxury F1 holiday experience.
Another key feature is the headline-grabbing first corner which has been named the 'Blade'. Elevated 70 metres above the ground, equivalent to a 20 storey building, and with a slope of 10 degrees, the Blade is set to be a real test for the cars and drivers, as well as providing an incredible spectacle for fans at the circuit and those watching at home.
However, Qiddiya is set to be about much more than just F1. This brand new city, which is due for completion in 2030, is set to be the ultimate holiday destination with all manner of attractions including numerous water and theme parks, over 2,000 art installations, 43 sports facilities, dedicated e-sports district, an all-inclusive golf resort, and plenty of luxury hotels and hospitality facilities. This is a city which is going to be fundamentally "built for play".
New F1 Regulations For 2026
Formula 1 is entering a brave new world in 2026. The current hybrid power units were revolutionary at the time of their introduction in 2014 with a 80/20 split between internal combustion and electric motors. However, their replacements will have a 50/50 split in addition to the sport using only 100% sustainable fuels for the first time.
The fuel provided by the team's technical partners are therefore set to become a much bigger differentiator when it comes to determining car performance on account of this sector being far less developed than conventional fossil fuel alternatives. This is something that the Saudi state owner oil company Aramco is very aware of, with Aramco having been working closely with the Aston Martin F1 team to ensure that they hit the ground running in 2026 with a sustainable fuel that will help to massage as much power as possible from the teams new Honda powerplants.
With ever tightening bonds between Aramco and the Aston Martin team, hopes are high that the squad will be in the fight for victory at the first Qiddya Speed Park race in 2027.
The Missing Piece of the Puzzle
With two prized Saudi F1 circuits to choose from and heavy involvement with one of the sports leading teams, Saudi Arabia is very much at the forefront of the F1 revolution. This of course leaves just one missing piece of the puzzle: an F1 driver.
The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) are working to create a new programme, designed to find and nurture new talent. This is just one of many such programmes in operation, most of which are being run by existing motorsport teams such as McLaren, who are working with NEOM to bring female drivers in motorsport. This has already helped female Saudi racing driver Reema Juffali into a seat in the all female F1 Academy series.
Experience the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2026
You can be there to see the new era of Formula 1 motor racing in person with a Saudi Arabian Grand Prix holiday package for 2026 from Elegant Sports. We'll provide you with highly prized F1 Paddock Club tickets, giving you the best seats in the house and access to the post-race concerts that will feature performances from world famous musicians.
During your time in the country, your Saudi Arabian holiday package with Elegant Sports will ensure that you stay in the best accommodation, with a choice of luxury hotels to choose from as part of our tailor-made holiday offering. Our Luxury Travel Specialists have plenty of experience of the region and are therefore well placed to offer expert advice when it comes to choosing the best hotels and attractions for you based on your preferences.