Futuristic F1 track with unique detail 'to replace' current circuit in next decade

A new circuit is reportedly on track to replace Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Corniche Circuit later this decade.

The Middle East – namely Saudi Arabia – continues to be a hotbed of global sport, with four Grands Prix – Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi – currently on the F1 calendar.

However, the 2026 Saudi and Bahrain races were cancelled in March due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

It remains unclear whether both races will be rescheduled, although there have been suggestions that the Saudi race could take place in December. This has not been confirmed by F1.

Saudi Arabia first played host to F1 in December 2021 and has been a fixture on the calendar ever since, aside from the recent cancellation.

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit has been used for all five Grands Prix in the country, but this could soon change.

F1 plans for Saudi Arabia circuit change

A report in The Telegraph claims that a new Qiddiya Speed Park Track is currently under construction on the outskirts of Riyadh – the nation’s capital – as part of the Gulf state’s £4bn “giga-project”, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The Qiddiya track – otherwise known as “The Blade” – will feature an elevated Turn 1, which may be as high as a 20-storey building. It is intended to replace the Jeddah Corniche Circuit “at some point later this decade”, although an official date remains unclear.

The track is being designed by Hermann Tilke and former driver Alexander Wurz, with a theme park and water park set to sit alongside it.

According to Tilke’s website, the track will feature 21 corners and an LED-lit braking zone which rises more than 70 metres.

Drivers are expected to reach top speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph), with the total distance set to surpass that of the current longest circuit, Spa-Francorchamps.

“The opening and F1 premiere of the Qiddiya Speed Park Track are planned for 2028,” a statement on the designers’ website reads.

“The world’s largest grandstand is set to accommodate the massive interest from spectators and media, while ‘The Blade’, possibly the most spectacular racetrack element ever, takes centre stage.”

Tilke has previously designed several tracks, including the Bahrain International Circuit, Baku City Circuit, Circuit of the Americas and Yas Marina Circuit.