Saudi Arabia’s extraordinary new Qiddiya Formula 1 circuit is beginning to resemble something from Mario Kart rather than a conventional racing venue. New construction photographs shared by Ahmed Baokbah reveal the enormous scale of the Qiddiya Speed Park Track, particularly its spectacular first corner, which will rise 70 metres above the ground. With construction reportedly 42% complete, the futuristic circuit is taking shape ahead of a potential Formula 1 debut in 2028, although no official race date has been confirmed.
The ambitious project is intended to eventually replace Jeddah as the home of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, bringing Formula 1 closer to Riyadh. What previously looked almost like science fiction in computer-generated renderings is now becoming a physical reality, with massive supporting structures and extensive construction work clearly visible.
Qiddiya F1 circuit takes shape with extraordinary 70-metre-high first corner
Designed by renowned circuit architect Hermann Tilke alongside former Formula 1 driver Alexander Wurz, the Qiddiya Speed Park Track will extend for approximately 7.7 kilometres and feature 21 corners.
The layout is designed to accommodate speeds exceeding 325 km/h, while the overall elevation difference will reach 108 metres. It will combine permanent racing sections with street-circuit-style portions, passing through an enormous sports and entertainment complex.
However, the most remarkable element of the entire project is undoubtedly Turn 1, known as The Blade.
This extraordinary elevated structure will reach 70 metres above ground level, equivalent to the height of a 20-storey building. Beneath the racing surface, a dedicated area for concerts and other events is planned, making the first corner much more than a conventional part of a Formula 1 circuit.
Nothing comparable has previously been incorporated into a Formula 1 venue. The enormous support structures required to hold the elevated section are already clearly visible in the latest photographs.
Why Qiddiya’s futuristic F1 circuit resembles Mario Kart
The comparison with Mario Kart is not difficult to understand. While most Formula 1 circuits follow the natural contours of the surrounding terrain or use relatively conventional elevated structures, Qiddiya is being designed around an architectural concept that appears almost impossible in traditional motorsport terms.
A first corner positioned approximately 70 metres above the ground, supported by huge artificial structures and integrated into a wider entertainment destination, creates a visual effect more commonly associated with a racing video game than a real Formula 1 venue.
The latest construction photographs provide a much clearer impression of the project’s true scale. The enormous supporting structures, which appeared almost futuristic in the original renderings, are gradually becoming recognisable physical features of the developing circuit.
For the designers, however, the challenge extends beyond creating an impressive visual spectacle. The completed layout will also need to provide a suitable racing environment for Formula 1 cars travelling at extremely high speeds.
Qiddiya City forms part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme
The new Formula 1 circuit is one element of the much larger Qiddiya City development, one of Saudi Arabia’s major investments under its Vision 2030 programme.
The wider project covers an area exceeding 360 square kilometres and aims to transform the region into a major international destination for sport, tourism and entertainment.
Among its attractions is Six Flags Qiddiya City, an amusement park that has already opened to the public. The destination features several attractions specifically designed to establish world records, including rides intended to achieve exceptional height, speed and numbers of inversions.
The Formula 1 circuit will eventually join these attractions and is intended to become a tourist destination in its own right, rather than simply a venue used during Grand Prix weekends.
That broader concept explains some of the unusual design decisions. Qiddiya Speed Park is being integrated into an entertainment complex, with the racing layout passing through areas designed to attract visitors for a wide range of activities.
The enormous elevated first corner, complete with space for concerts and events beneath it, is perhaps the clearest example of this approach.
Qiddiya F1 circuit reportedly reaches 42% completion ahead of 2028 target
According to a construction update published on 12 November, work on the Qiddiya Speed Park Track had reached approximately 42% completion.
The latest photographs provide an indication of the progress being made, particularly on the elevated first corner and its supporting structures. The circuit is currently expected to make its Formula 1 debut around 2028, when it is intended to take over from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit as the venue for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
However, that timeline remains a target rather than an officially confirmed race date. No precise Formula 1 debut date has yet been announced. The new venue represents a substantial departure from the characteristics of the existing Saudi Arabian Grand Prix circuit in Jeddah, which has traditionally been associated with high-speed street racing.
With Qiddiya combining permanent and urban-style sections, significant elevation changes and an enormous integrated entertainment complex, the future Saudi Arabian Grand Prix could have a very different identity.
Will Qiddiya’s spectacular design produce great Formula 1 racing?
The latest images finally reveal the real-world proportions of a project that, in its original renderings, appeared almost like science fiction.
Yet one important question remains unanswered: will this extraordinary architectural ambition translate into a circuit capable of producing exciting Formula 1 racing?
The concern is that a visually spectacular venue does not necessarily guarantee competitive or entertaining racing. The comparison with the Madring, which has already prompted similar discussions this year, highlights the distinction between an impressive architectural project and a layout that delivers strong on-track action. Building a corner approximately 70 metres above the ground is undeniably an exceptional engineering achievement. Making that same corner an effective overtaking opportunity would be an even more interesting sporting accomplishment.
For now, the Qiddiya Speed Park Track is progressing from futuristic concept to physical reality, with its extraordinary first corner already becoming one of the most distinctive features of any proposed Formula 1 circuit.
Whether the finished venue can combine its remarkable visual identity with consistently exciting racing will only become clear once the circuit is completed and cars finally take to the track.
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