Jeddah Corniche Circuit

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is the fastest street circuit in Formula 1 history, a breathtaking 6.174-kilometer track that snakes along the Red Sea waterfront in the heart of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Since its debut in 2021, this remarkable venue has produced some of the most dramatic and controversial racing in the sport's recent history. The circuit features 27 corners — the most on the F1 calendar — connected by long, fast straights that see cars reach speeds exceeding 320 km/h between the concrete walls. The combination of extreme speed, blind corners, and zero run-off has drawn comparisons to the danger levels of historic street circuits, creating an exhilarating but polarising spectacle. The average speed around a lap is the highest of any street circuit, approaching 250 km/h. The layout follows the Jeddah Corniche waterfront, passing through a mix of modern infrastructure and historic areas. Several corners are taken at remarkably high speeds with walls on both sides, demanding absolute precision and confidence from drivers. Turns 22-23, a fast left-right sequence, is particularly spectacular and has been the scene of several dramatic incidents. The long final straight into Turn 1 provides excellent overtaking opportunities. The inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021 produced an extraordinary battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen during their championship showdown, with multiple restarts, red flags, and controversial on-track incidents creating one of the most talked-about races in years. The 2022 race was overshadowed by a missile strike on a nearby Aramco facility during practice, leading to intense discussions about driver safety before the event ultimately went ahead. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 programme has positioned motorsport as a key element of the country's diversification strategy, with massive investment in facilities and events. The circuit is planned to eventually move to a permanent purpose-built venue as part of the Qiddiya entertainment mega-project, but the current street circuit has already established a reputation for producing unforgettable racing.