JEDDAH — Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, president of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) confirmed that Saudi Arabia is fully open to hosting 2 races annually within Formula 1, adding that this might happen in the near future.
He said that the idea of hosting 2 races in the Kingdom is feasible.
The new circuit Saudi Arabia has built in the entertainment Qiddiyah city near Riyadh, could be completed in 2027, and might be the second circuit to host the Formula 1 alongside Jeddah Corniche circuit, he said.
He said that there are 3 races in the United States, due to the huge market there, in addition to the great demand.
The demand is also here in Saudi Arabia, but no decision has been made yet, as there are many things that need to be taken into consideration, Prince Khalid stated.
The sport is growing, and the demand is increasing, he said, adding that he will not be surprised if Saudi Arabia hosted one more race in the near future, as the demand is there, and the Kingdom owns two amazing circuits.
He noted that Formula 1 is the biggest sport event that Saudi Arabia is hosting, as there is great investment in the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, but there were no discussions with its owner, Liberty Media Corporation, regarding hosting two races in the circuit.
It is noteworthy that Jeddah is hosting the race for the third time. The 2023 Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix —the fastest street circuit ever in Formula 1, Jeddah Corniche Circuit — is scheduled to take place on March 17, 18 and 19.