Interest in the top flight continues to grow, punctually breaking attendance records on every track that hosts it. There is now not only the cult of the historic circuits, but a group of loyal fans ready to follow the exploits of the 20 drivers in every part of the world, even if this deviates from the traditional canons of spectacularity and tradition. Over the years, Formula 1 has touched lands in every corner of the world, trying as much as possible to combine tradition and history with innovation. A way to bring sport closer to all cultures, to audiences from all over the world. With countries ready to offer a substantial financial contribution to secure a place on the calendar. But while on the one hand Liberty Media must be applauded for having revived F1 and with it that interest that Bernie Ecclestone jealously guarded in a drawer, on the other there is a problem that is becoming increasingly evident. In other words, having a calendar overbooked, with as many as 24 GPs and historic circuits at risk of exclusion, due to the ruthless competition from new entries with bottomless wallets, such as Saudi Arabia for example.
A policy that fans don't like
The tracing of Jeddah debuted in 2021 by taking the title of fastest street circuit in the world. He immediately raised many doubts about his own security. Several episodes in both last year and this one, with the scary incident of Mick Schumacher they confirmed it. But there was not only that in the order of controversy.
Saudi Arabia is a country where authoritarianism and extremism reign, a country where the rights of minorities are not protected, much less respected. A country where terrorism is present both as a threat and as a political weapon. And we saw this with the recent attack during the race weekend on the Aramco oil plant – not far from the F1 circuit. All this differs from what Formula 1 professes in its pacifist and environmentalist slogans. Words that become meaningless in the context of Jeddah and in other countries where most of the rights and principles are trampled on by power and money.
Saudi Arabia ready for an encore
The Saudi sports minister, Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal, recently declared his intention to host two Formula 1 grands prix on the same calendar. The Jeddah circuit, entered as "temporary" pending construction of Qiddiya plant, could therefore remain, or if F1 does not grant a double stage in Arabia, it could alternate with the new track which will be ready in 2026.
“If we were given the opportunity, we certainly wouldn't say no. We see well the benefits of these events for our Kingdom, and that is why we invest so much - Al-Faisal said. “Perhaps where you are more focused on sports, but we are doing the same with regard to culture, entertainment, exhibitions and many other things that we consider. We could definitely host two races already because of that, but I think it's something we need to discuss with F1 and see how it goes. But I can say that we would certainly like to have 2 GPs in one season."
The ambitious project
It is clear that in a calendar already full, with 24 races in the 2023 – the maximum allowed by the pact of concord – over 6 sprints, with Required Knowledge which increase day by day it will be difficult to find a place for both circuits. However, Al-Faisal said that the investments made for the Jeddah circuit were also made with a view to a possible alternation with the new Qiddiya circuit which will also host the MotoGP. “It has already happened in Germany, between the Nurburgring and Hockenheim. So that might be an option for us as well. The new track will be an iconic venue for an F1 race, there will also be an adjacent theme park. Qiddiya is a huge project, hopefully they can finish it in time. The plant should be completed within the builder's expectations. If so, the idea is to transfer the grand prix to the new venue. What is certain is that MotoGP will race in Qiddiya. Motorcycles certainly couldn't race in Jeddah."
Source statements: Motorsport.com
