Formula in the Kingdom

Formula in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the international car races hosted by the Kingdom every year, organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport. It hosts two types of Formula races, the 'Diriyah Formula E' race for electric cars held in Riyadh city, Diriyah Governorate, since its first launch in the Middle East region in 2018, ‏and the 'Formula One' race, held in the Jeddah Corniche Circuit since 2021.

The difference between Formula E and Formula One cars lies in that Formula One cars run on fuel, primarily oil, while Formula E cars are electrically powered. Another distinction is that Formula One teams have more freedom in designing the car's shape, whereas significant changes in internal engines are allowed in Formula E cars. The maximum speed for Formula E is around 230 km/h, while Formula One cars can reach speeds of up to 322 km/h.

Diriyah Formula E is one of the races organized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and hosted by the Kingdom in the historic Diriyah Governorate, affiliated with the city of Riyadh. The race is part of a ten-year agreement between the ABB Formula E Championship, the Ministry of Sport, and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. It began in 2018 and will continue until 2028.

The historic Diriyah circuit has hosted five editions of the Formula E World Championship. The first edition took place in 2018, followed by the second edition in 2019, the third edition in 2021, the fourth edition in 2022, and the fifth edition in 2023.

Diriyah Formula E Championship for electric cars is an internationally recognized championship sanctioned by FIA. It represents the first series of car racing powered by electric energy. Its objectives include addressing climate change and contributing to the implementation of ongoing initiatives worldwide focusing on sustainability in various environmental, social, and economic fields. Formula E also significantly focuses on the development and advancement of modern technologies, electric vehicles, and renewable energies. Another goal is to enhance the capabilities of young talents from the Kingdom to organize all major sports tournaments and events, attract audiences and visitors to explore Diriyah and its rich historical heritage, and make the Kingdom an encouraging environment for champions, artists, team managers, and engineers to join this sport.

Diriyah Governorate was chosen for the Diriyah Formula E races due to its status as a national icon in the history of the Kingdom. It embodies the model of oases in desert environments for its stunning natural landscapes. It also holds a strategic location next to the Hanifa Valley. Additionally, the governorate features an environmental heritage reflected in its architectural style, construction, and settlements, as well as civilizational achievements such as residential buildings, tunnels, irrigation methods, canals, and agricultural villages.

Formula E races in the Kingdom started for the first time on December 13, 2018. This followed an agreement between the General Sports Authority at that time (currently the Ministry of Sport) and FIA. The Ministry of Sport collaborates with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation to organize the race, sponsored by several entities, most notably the Public Investment Fund.

The Kingdom hosts the Formula E races in Diriyah, known as the 'Jewel of the Kingdom', which includes at-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kingdom is the first country in the Middle East to open its doors to this type of racing. Unlike Formula One vehicles that run on oil-based products, Formula E cars are free from any carbon emissions as they operate entirely on electric power, making Formula E races environmentally friendly.

The race car of the driver René Rast in the 2018 Formula E race in Diriyah. (Ministry of Sport)

Formula E Diriyah's events constitute a comprehensive entertainment festival, which includes the Formula E Fan Village, also known as 'Allianz E-Village'. It extends over an area of up to 180,000 ft (167,000 m). In addition to the main racing event, the festival includes various entertainment activities, such as artistic performances and concerts, in addition to shopping places, and others.

Formula E is the only racing competition in the world where the audience can influence the race outcome through a feature called Fanboost. The audience can vote for their favorite driver through the website or via the Twitter (X) accounts of Formula E and the official event handle. After voting, the drivers who receive the most votes can advance ahead of their competitors. This advantage is granted by providing them with a surge of electrical power for a period of five seconds during the second half of the race. They qualify to win when speed becomes the determining factor between victory and defeat.

Diriyah Formula E 2018 is one of the electric car races in the ABB Formula E World Championship 2018. It marked the fifth season hosted by the Kingdom and served as the opening round at the historical Diriyah Governorate circuit. Moreover, it was the first race for electric cars organized on the streets. The event took place from December 13 to December 15, 2018.

The electric car used in the Diriyah Formula E race for the ABB Formula E World Championship was of the second generation (Gen 2), replacing the Formula E Gen1 cars used in the previous four seasons. The Gen 2 cars feature an advanced design and structure, along with high speed and power capabilities.

Approximately twenty-two drivers from eleven teams around the world participated in the ABB Formula E World Championship race in Diriyah. They raced on a track spanning 2,495 m through various locations in the historic city of Diriyah, extending to the outskirts of Riyadh. The track featured twenty-one turns, with drivers completing thirty-three laps, totaling around forty-five minutes. Additionally, the course incorporated a modern Attack Zone area, adding an element of competition and excitement to the race. The event concluded with Portuguese driver Antonio Felix da Costa clinching the first-place victory, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

The 'Formula E Village - Road to Diriyah' event kicked off on the Jeddah City Corniche, aiming to inform and engage the public before the start of the Diriyah Formula E 2018 race. The village hosted a variety of activities, including a virtual reality experience allowing visitors to simulate Formula E races. Additionally, the village offered cinematic shows for families and viewers, with films tailored for children and others about Formula E races. Attendees also had the opportunity to try electric bicycles (wattbike) and take selfies with the Gen 2 Formula E cars.

Diriyah Formula E 2018 race of the (ABB Formula E World) Championship took place from December 13 to 15, 2018. The event was supervised by the General Sports Authority (currently the Ministry of Sport). The (Allianz E-Village), covering an area of approximately 167 m², hosted a variety of activities suitable for visitors, including families and children. It featured entertainment, heritage, and cultural sites, as well as areas designated for restaurants and shopping. The race also provided visitors and tourists with the opportunity to explore Riyadh Province, specifically the Diriyah Governorate, and its rich historical heritage.

To access information, schedules, and tickets related to the Diriyah Formula E race, you can visit the official website, http://fiaformulae.com/Ad-Diriyah. Those interested in attending the race from outside the Kingdom can apply for a one-month tourist visa through the 'Sharek' electronic platform, https://sharek.sa/ar/about. The platform is dedicated to providing a range of services related to major sports events held in the Kingdom.

Diriyah Formula E 2019 was one of the electric car races for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. It was the sixth season hosted by the Kingdom and the second round held at the historic Diriyah Governorate circuit. The race took place from November 22 to 23, 2019.

The Diriyah Formula E World Championship race, of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, was one of fourteen rounds hosted by twelve countries worldwide, including two days in the Diriyah Governorate. The Diriyah Formula E race marked the first competitive showdown between Mercedes and Porsche. The race concluded with British driver Alexander Sims from the BMW i Andretti team clinching the first-place victory.

Diriyah Season organized a series of prominent sporting events spanning approximately thirty days. Among these were the renowned Diriyah Formula E 2019, the heavyweight boxing championship, the historic Diriyah fight, the Diriyah Tennis Cup, and the Diriyah Equestrian Festival, serving as a gateway for victors to vie in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Diriyah Season also featured an array of musical and entertainment events and festivals. Additionally, it hosted a variety of renowned restaurants and international corporations.

Tourists and visitors were able to obtain visas for visiting the Kingdom through the Sharek platform. In 2019, the opportunity for tourists to obtain a tourist visa upon visiting the Kingdom was introduced, replacing the Sharek platform visa.

Diriyah Formula E 2021 is one of the electric car races in its seventh season for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship 2021. It is the third round hosted by the Kingdom on the streets of the historic Diriyah Governorate. The event was organized by the Ministry of Sport, with the participation of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. The race took place from February 26 to 27, 2021.

The first and second rounds of the Diriyah Formula E 2021 race kicked off in the evening. This marked the first time in the history of Formula E World Championship races that LED floodlights, powered by renewable energy, were used. These lights operate with 50 percent less energy consumption, sourced from low and high-performance hydrogenated vegetable oil, made from sustainable materials.

The night race featured twenty-four drivers, representing twelve teams from different parts of the world, racing on a track that is 2.83 km in length. Unlike the first and second editions of the race, it was not attended by a large audience due to precautionary measures against the COVID-19 pandemic. After the race concluded, the Minister of Sport, Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki al-Faisal, honored the champions who won the title, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the crown prince and prime minister.

Diriyah Formula E 2022 marked the eighth season of the ABB Formula E World Championship for electric car racing. It was the fourth round hosted by the Kingdom, organized by the Ministry of Sport in collaboration with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. The race lasted for two nights under floodlights from January 28 to 29, 2022.

The number of participants in the Diriyah Formula E 2022 race totaled approximately twenty-two drivers, representing eleven teams from around the world. The race took place on the Diriyah circuit, which spans approximately 2.83 km. The event concluded with Swiss driver Edoardo Mortara from the ROKiT Venturi Racing clinching the first-place victory.

The Diriyah Formula E 2022 race attracted significant attention from both local and international media outlets. The event was broadcast on sixty-three channels in 150 countries worldwide. Approximately fifty media outlets covered the race directly, with around 110 journalists, editors, and photographers in attendance.

The 'Allianz E-Village' festivities kicked off in conjunction with the eighth season of the ABB Formula E World Championship race in Diriyah. The village hosted a variety of entertainment areas suitable for individuals, families, and Formula E enthusiasts, including designated children's zones like the Kids Zone, Wind Power Challenge, and Green Boat Activity. Additionally, the village featured driving schools focused on teaching children about road safety rules and driving electronically on the race track under the supervision of experienced trainers.

Among the facilities in the 'Recharge Park' area of the village was a space that offered visitors the opportunity to relax and unwind. The activities included rowing challenges, music concerts, and a photo booth where visitors could capture memorable moments with their favorite race driver and get his autograph. Additionally, the village provided a 'Jahez Village' offering various high-quality food options. It also featured giant screens where fans could watch the Diriyah Formula E race events.

Diriyah Formula E 2023 is the fifth round of the electric car race Diriyah Formula E, and the ninth season of the (ABB Formula E) World Championship, which was under the name (CORE Diriyah E-Prix 2023), organized by the Ministry of Sport, in cooperation with the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation. The race lasted for two days from January 27-28, 2023.

The number of participants in the CORE Diriyah E-Prix 2023 race was twenty-two drivers, representing approximately eleven teams from around the world. The competition took place at night on the Diriyah circuit, which was constructed according to local content requirements. The circuit's length is estimated to be about 2,495 km and it was illuminated using LED technology, contributing to a reduction in energy consumption by approximately 50 percent. The circuit consists of twelve turns.

The cars used in the CORE Diriyah E-Prix 2023 race were third-generation (Gen 3) cars. These cars are the first to be specifically designed and developed for street racing. The Diriyah circuit served as the debut track for these cars. One of the distinctive features of the Gen 3 cars compared to their predecessors is their improved performance and sustainability. They do not use hydraulic brakes and are smaller in size and lighter in weight.

A Formula One race in Jeddah. (Saudipedia)

Formula One Jeddah is one of the international Formula races hosted by the Kingdom in the city of Jeddah, Makkah al-Mukarramah Province. The race is part of the Quality of Life Program initiative, aimed at achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The first edition of the race took place on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in 2021, followed by the second edition in 2022, and the third edition in 2023.

The hosting of international Formula races by the Kingdom is part of the agreement between the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and Formula One, spanning approximately fifteen years, from 2021 until 2036.

The Formula One races held annually at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit aim to contribute to creating sporting activity and momentum at both the local and global levels. This is done to attract tourists, audiences, and enthusiasts of motorsports and Formula races from around the world. Additionally, the races aim to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by diversifying sports options in the Kingdom and enhancing its position domestically and internationally. The races serve as a tourist attraction for the Kingdom, contributing to the development and advancement of the tourism economy and improving the quality of life for all segments of society.

The Formula One races hosted a variety of attractive and diverse tourist and entertainment facilities and sites, including Fan Zones tailored for children. These zones featured Formula One-themed experiences such as thrilling and challenging rides, entertaining shows including music performances, local work, and appearances by artists. Additionally, there were activities for families and children. Many locations also included large screens for viewing the race, along with local and international-themed restaurants and cafes. Surrounding the racetrack were tourist areas, such as the marina and Jeddah Art promenade. There were also outlets for food and beverages, and seating areas overlooking the Red Sea. Across from the race track is one of Jeddah's large and famous centers, Red Sea Mall.

Formula One 2021 was one of the international car racing events, and it marked the first edition hosted by the Kingdom. It took place from December 3 to 5, 2021, in Jeddah City, on the Corniche Circuit, under the name of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The race was part of a series of twenty-three rounds held in various countries around the world.

Before the start of the first round of Formula One 2021 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the race was announced in advance by the Ministry of Sport in collaboration with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and the Quality of Life Program. Additionally, it received support and endorsement from His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The announcement included the official unveiling of the Clock Tower sculpture located in the center of the Jeddah Corniche. The sculpture represents one of the landmarks that attracts motorsports enthusiasts and Formula One fans. The unveiling ceremony was attended by several prominent figures and media outlets. The clock sculpture operates through a countdown displaying the days, hours, minutes, and seconds remaining until the event. The countdown period leading up to the race was set at three hundred days.

The Corniche Circuit in Jeddah, overlooking the Red Sea, was prepared for Formula One races. The circuit spans approximately 6,175 m, making it the second-longest circuit in Formula One history after the Belgian Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps. It features around twenty-seven turns, with an average speed of about 250 km/hr, and a maximum speed of approximately 322 km/hr.

The Formula One race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit began at night under the floodlights. The victory in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix went to the British driver Lewis Hamilton, who outpaced his rival Max Verstappen. However, the championship title for the 2021 Formula One World Championship was not decided at that race. Afterward, the British driver Lewis Hamilton tied in points with Max Verstappen. Although the Dutch driver had previously led, the championship title was ultimately clinched by Max Verstappen of the Red Bull team in the final round in Abu Dhabi City.

To enhance cultural presence in events hosted by the Kingdom, the Ministry of Culture and its diverse cultural entities participated in the Formula One 2021 race during the preceding rounds from December 3 to 5. This participation included showcasing visual arts through the launch of a national competition dedicated to designing the Formula One race circuit by the Visual Arts Commission. Additionally, the Music Commission supervised the musical band, which performed the national anthem on the opening day. The Culinary Arts Commission also contributed by presenting cooking experiences tailored to the Formula atmosphere. The preparation of Saudi coffee and its innovative brewing methods was a notable feature at the race. Furthermore, the commission presented an informative piece showcasing the various types of dates for which the Kingdom is renowned, in addition to distributing energy snacks to visitors.

The Ministry of Culture concluded with an exhibition organized by the Museums Commission, featuring a three-dimensional display of (Historic Jeddah City). Additionally, there was an exhibition titled (Fastest Cars Through Time), narrating the history of the fastest cars in the world from the inception of automobiles to the present day. This participation extended for a month after the Formula One race with the aim of enriching visitors' cultural experiences.

Formula One 2022 marked the second edition of the Formula One World Championship, which commenced at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. This event followed four months after the first edition of Formula One in 2021. The race spanned three days, from March 25 to 27, 2022. At that time, there were approximately twenty participants in the race, representing around ten teams, competing for both the driver's and constructor's titles.

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit geared up once again for the Formula One 2022 race, undergoing necessary preparations and arrangements following the first round of Formula One in 2021. Competitors took to the track in a fierce contest, with the race culminating in the crowning of driver Max Verstappen from the Red Bull Racing Team as the winner of the Formula One stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Accompanying the Formula One stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix events was the 'Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East' event, along with a showcase by the 'High-Performance Cars Club' for luxury car owners in the Kingdom, supported by Petromin Company.

The Ministry of Culture and its cultural entities contributed to the 2022 Formula One stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as part of a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Sport, aiming to incorporate cultural aspects into the sports sector in the Kingdom. One of their contributions was the 'Saudi Coffee World' initiative, supported by the Quality of Life Program, which aimed to introduce visitors to the preparation of Saudi coffee and the associated customs and traditions. The Saudi coffee corner was distributed in various areas, such as the VIP hospitality area, the track, the main area, and inside the suites. Additionally, live performances on the oud musical instrument and displays of artisans' crafts, such as pottery cup making, were showcased.

The Formula One 2023, marking the third edition of the Formula One World Championship, followed suit with its two predecessors. The race took place on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, spanning from March 17-19, 2023.

Modifications, additions, and some changes were made to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit before the start of the 2023 Formula One World Championship, with the aim of facilitating the organization of races for years to come. These modifications were carried out by Formula One circuit designers in collaboration with the FIA, taking into account the opinions of participating teams. Among the improvements made were: the restructuring of the circuit barriers, the addition of speed bumps to reduce speed at turns, and the modification of the safety barrier at turns.

A car of one of the racers at the Formula One race track on the Jeddah Waterfront. (Saudipedia)

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is a temporary street circuit located on the Red Sea Corniche in Jeddah City, designed by the German Hermann Tilke of Tilke GmbH in partnership with the FIA, Formula One, and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. The circuit earned Grade One certification from the FIA, meeting their standards. It stands as the second-longest street circuit on the Formula One calendar for the 2021 season, boasting a length of approximately 6,174 m.

The first competitive round on the racing circuit for the Formula One stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was in 2021. Then, the second round took place in 2022, followed by the third round in 2023.

The construction of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, located on the Red Sea coastline, was completed in a remarkably short period of approximately eight months, making it the fastest-built Formula One racetrack in history. Built to the specifications of the FIA with high-quality standards and in accordance with health and safety regulations, the circuit saw the collaboration of around fifty local and international contracting companies and involved the cooperation of approximately three thousand contractors. Vital support was also sourced from suppliers in several countries such as Spain, Austria, and Germany. After millions of work hours without any recorded risks or injuries during construction, the circuit became fully prepared and ready for racing.

The track encompasses twenty-seven turns, including sixteen left turns and eleven right turns. These are major turns that have set a record, allowing racers to reach speeds of up to 252 km/hr in some turns. The total length of the race is approximately 308.650 km. Additionally, it features around two thousand lights and fifty-one laps.

Prior to the return of motorsport action on the Red Sea coast, several modifications and changes were made to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. This was achieved through collaborative efforts and consultations between Formula One track designers, the FIA, and input from drivers and participating teams. The focus was on enhancing driver visibility lines at specific sections of the circuit and reshaping track barriers in accordance with recommendations approved by the FIA.

The Safety Delegate and Race Director of Formula One conducted an inspection of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit ahead of the race. The inspection included measures to assess the quality of the track and its surroundings according to the standards and specifications set by the FIA. As a result, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit was awarded a Grade A rating, signifying it as one of the best and highest-quality circuits globally. It met the Grade A criteria set by the FIA, making it ready to host Formula One races.

The Corniche Circuit in Jeddah has been supplied with electricity through solar power, powering eighty-six billboards. This initiative contributed to saving 82.7 percent of the total electricity consumption in the area. LED lights were used, along with techniques to reduce irrigation rates, which helped reduce pollution levels and lower temperatures.

The Communications and Information Technology Commission contributed advanced technologies utilized at the circuit. They allocated five hundred frequencies to operate applications required by devices used in the races. Additionally, a support team provided by the Communications and Information Technology Commission was tasked with monitoring frequencies to prevent any interference that could affect race services. This led to addressing the issues that had previously impacted communication services during such races. Moreover, the races were broadcast using modern live-streaming cameras.

The Ministry of Sport collaborated with relevant entities to improve the vegetation cover. They participated in afforestation and agriculture works at the Corniche Circuit in Jeddah, planting around 43,000 m² of green spaces and two thousand trees suitable for the location.

Medical teams participated in the Formula One stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix by providing comprehensive medical capabilities. They deployed ambulances equipped with modern medical technologies, along with trained paramedics experienced in handling Formula racing accidents. The medical teams comprised several departments, including the Rapid Medical Intervention Team, which immediately attends to the situation upon accidents, assesses injuries, and determines the type of injury. Following this, the Medical Extraction Team takes action, serving as an auxiliary medical team accredited by the FIA. Their role involves extracting the driver from the car, divided into two sections: the first focuses on rapid extraction within fourteen seconds, while the second involves removing the injured driver and securing them on a stretcher, which may take three minutes and thirty-five seconds, followed by transferring him for medical care. Additionally, medical teams provided two dedicated rescue aircraft and two other aircraft equipped with a ready medical team for transporting the injured. Furthermore, the Red Crescent Authority in Jeddah contributed with its human and mechanical resources, ambulances, and golf carts for rapid rescue and intervention.

This is a global educational program launched by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), in partnership with Aramco and Formula One, aimed at schools. The program aims to enhance students' levels in various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects such as physics, engineering, technology, and mathematics. It also focuses on motivation and competition through a curriculum designed to engage students in multiple topics, including physics, financial strategies, teamwork, design, brand building, marketing, and leadership. Students apply these concepts in a practical environment resembling Formula One teams.