Saudi Arabia is gearing up to dominate the Formula One scene with the development of the Qiddiya Speed Park outside Riyadh, costing $480 million and resembling the iconic Rainbow Road from Mario Kart. Despite the futuristic track's imminent completion in 2027, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit remains the world's fastest street circuit. The Saudi Motorsport Company's chairman has hinted at ambitious plans for the country to potentially host the season opener and even acquire an F1 team in the future.
Saudi Arabia's increasing involvement in various sports, including karting and all-women racing series, signals a significant shift in the country's sporting landscape. Despite criticisms over human rights issues, Saudi's strong ties with F1 and long-term sponsorship agreements with companies like Aramco and Aston Martin demonstrate a sustained commitment to the sport. While the prospect of hosting two F1 races annually in Saudi Arabia is uncertain due to calendar constraints, the debut of the Qiddiya track is expected to make a splash in the F1 world in the coming years.