The 2023 Saudi Arabian GP will mark the 3rd year of Formula 1 racing on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Despite the controversies surrounding the event each year, the fixture is a sight to behold when F1 cars zip through under the floodlights. As Max Verstappen looks to replicate last year’s result on the circuit, the race will have an added attraction for the fans as 9-time Grammy nominee Travis Scott will take the stage.
Formula 1 started racing at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in 2021. That year, Lewis Hamilton made headlines for wearing the rainbow-colored crash helmet to express his solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community. Drivers expressed their concerns about the circuit being too dangerous, as the race was red-flagged twice for multiple incidents. In 2022, a missile attack on the nearby Aramco facility spooked the drivers, who contemplated boycotting the race. The fixture went ahead, nonetheless.
As F1 gets ready to race on the fastest track again, the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) announced Travis Scott’s presence. The American rapper will take to the main stage to bust the best of his rhymes. The announcement that came through Instagram read, “Multiple Grammy nominated US rapper, @travisscott, will perform at this #F1 #SaudiArabianGP.”
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The middle-eastern country has started to construct a state-of-the-art facility in Qiddiya. However, before the work completes there, Jeddah looks set to be the host to F1 races at least till 2027.
Saudi Motorsport Company CEO gives an update on the Qiddiya facility
Qiddiya is a newly built city on the outskirts of Riyadh. The megaproject’s construction started in early 2019. It will feature entertainment facilities and arts and culture centers that will act as attractions for tourists and the residents of Riyadh alike. The racing circuit is a part of the grand project.
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Motorsport recently quoted SMC’s CEO Martin Whitaker as saying, “It’s important that we future-proof the Jeddah track and for this reason, we have again been working with the FIA and Formula 1 to ensure that we have a circuit that will allow us to stage the sport in Jeddah while work begins on the track in Qiddiya”
“The Qiddiya automotive center is being designed to lead the world in Formula 1 circuit design and entertainment. A unique and exciting project, Qiddiya will be a location that everyone will want to visit,” he added. “But right now and in the immediate future the focus and eyes of the world will be on Jeddah and the Red Sea coastline in the month of March.”
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Watch This Story: F1 Drivers Threaten Saudi Arabian GP Boycott After Missile Attacks
Saudi Arabia is certainly promising a lot for the near and the long-term future in terms of F1 racing. Can’t wait for the new circuit to take over the motor sporting world by storm.