Formula One brings thrills to Jeddah Corniche this weekend

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Motorsport fans heading to the Saudi Grand Prix can look forward to an electrifying weekend as they witness the world’s elite drivers compete at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. (Supplied)
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Motorsport fans heading to the Saudi Grand Prix can look forward to an electrifying weekend as they witness the world’s elite drivers compete at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. (Supplied)
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Motorsport fans heading to the Saudi Grand Prix can look forward to an electrifying weekend as they witness the world’s elite drivers compete at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. (Supplied)
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Motorsport fans heading to the Saudi Grand Prix can look forward to an electrifying weekend as they witness the world’s elite drivers compete at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. (Supplied)
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Motorsport fans heading to the Saudi Grand Prix can look forward to an electrifying weekend as they witness the world’s elite drivers compete at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. (Supplied)
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Motorsport fans heading to the Saudi Grand Prix can look forward to an electrifying weekend as they witness the world’s elite drivers compete at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. (Supplied)
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Updated 17 April 2025
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Formula One brings thrills to Jeddah Corniche this weekend

  • Fifth edition brings the world’s elite drivers to Saudi Arabia’s second city
  • International artists including Usher, Major Lazer Soundsystem and Jennifer Lopez to perform

JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has become one of the most popular races on the Formula One calendar. This year, in its fifth edition, the race is expected to be packed with enthusiastic fans and great racing action.

F1 enthusiasts are all set for the fifth round of the championship and the final leg of F1’s first triple-header.

Fans heading to the Grand Prix can look forward to an electrifying weekend as they witness the world’s elite drivers compete at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit — known as the fastest street circuit on the F1 calendar.

Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation and Saudi Motorsport Co., said: “This year marks a significant milestone: our fifth consecutive F1 race at the record-breaking Jeddah Corniche Circuit, spectacularly set along the stunning Red Sea coastline.

“We are thrilled to return to our traditional Sunday race following the unique Saturday night spectacle of 2024.”

He continued: “We extend our profound gratitude to the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, crown prince and prime minister … for their visionary leadership.

“Their continued support fuels our efforts to position the Kingdom as a global hub for sport and innovation.

“Our sincere thanks also go to Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport, whose steadfast dedication drives the success of Vision 2030.”

The race is expected to be a tough one as the McLaren driver Oscar Piastri heads to Jeddah after his emphatic win in Bahrain.

The Australian now trails championship leader Lando Norris by just three points, while Max Verstappen and Georg Russel remain behind them.

With the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix scheduled to be held April 18-20, millions of motorsport enthusiasts will be turning their attention to Jeddah as teams and drivers prepare for a new race on the fastest track.

Fans will be flocking to the corniche for everything from the high-speed thrills of the race itself to a wide range of side activities. One of the most anticipated events is the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Fan Experience, a free daytime attraction that has already sold out for Friday and Saturday.

Beyond the on-track action, attendees will enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with live music and entertainment, as well as opportunities to see F1 superstars up close.

Fans can enjoy an exciting lineup of live performances from global superstars, including Usher, Major Lazer Soundsystem, and Jennifer Lopez.

To make the race a success, the Saudi Ministry of Education has announced a school holiday April 20-21 for students and education staff in Jeddah, Makkah, and Taif to support the race.

Since its inaugural edition in 2021, the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has established itself as a highly anticipated annual event, attracting large audiences and a significant media presence from around the world.


Paolini races into round two to kickstart Australian Open

Updated 18 January 2026
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Paolini races into round two to kickstart Australian Open

MELBOURNE: Jasmine Paolini powered into the Australian Open second round with a straight-sets demolition to kickstart the action in a hot and sunny Melbourne on Sunday.
The seventh-seeded Italian outclassed Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-1, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.
Paolini faces Poland’s Magdalena Frech or Veronika Erjavec of Slovenia next.
“It was pretty good today, I did not expect that,” she said of her emphatic win in 69 minutes.
“Always tough to play first round. I played pretty good. I was solid, focused, so happy.
“Before the match I was a little nervous, to be honest, but then stepped on court and felt good from the first ball.”
The 30-year-old broke her opponent’s serve immediately and raced into a 3-0 lead in just 10 minutes.
She polished off the first set in 26 minutes and although Sasnovich put up more resistance in the second, Paolini ran out a comfortable winner.
Paolini reached the finals of Wimbledon and the French Open in 2024, but her best result at Melbourne Park is the fourth round in the same year.