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.


Pablo Mari joins Al-Hilal from Serie A side Fiorentina

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Pablo Mari joins Al-Hilal from Serie A side Fiorentina

  • Former Arsenal defender will bolster the SPL leaders with Kalidou Koulibaly still away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal

RIYADH: Al-Hilal on Sunday offically announced that former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari has signed from Serie A side Fiorentina. The player immediately joined his new colleagues in a training session.

The move will bolster Al-Hilal’s defence, with Kalidou Koulibaly still away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, who face Egypt in the semi-finals on Wednesday night.

Mari has played 16 games with Fiorentina in all competitions this season.

“Al-Hilal have signed a contract with Spanish defender Pablo Mari to join Al-Hilal from Italian club Fiorentina on a six-month contract, with an option to extend for another year,” Al-Hilal announced in a statement.

The 32-year-old defender won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2020 and lifted the Copa Libertadores with Brazil’s Flamengo in 2019.

The Spanish centre-half started his career at Mallorca, where he was a product of the club’s youth academy. In 2013, he moved to Gimnastic in the third tier of Spanish football, where he spent three years before Manchester City signed him in August of 2016.

Mari was immediately loaned out to Girona on a one-year deal, and he would also have similar stints at NAC Breda in the Netherlands and Deportivo La Coruna in Spain in the following two campaigns.

The series of loan spells were ended when he joined Flamengo on a permanent deal in 2019, but after a season at the Brazilian club which led to continental success, Mari was loaned out to Arsenal in the January transfer window at the start of 2020.

After winning the FA Cup a few months after joining, the move to the North London club was made permanent. However, his spell at the Emirates led to further loans spells at Udinese and Monza, with the latter securing his services on a full-time basis in May of 2023.

Fiorentina signed Mari in January of 2025 before his latest move to Riyadh was announced.