Formula 1’s future in the desert:
“The Blade” breaks all conventions in Qiddiya.
Saudi Arabia is rapidly advancing its ambitious vision for motorsport. New, exclusive images and video footage now document the construction progress of the spectacular Qiddiya Speed Park Circuit, currently rising from the desert floor near the capital, Riyadh. The latest visuals impressively show the massive, high-tech racetrack taking shape amidst the rugged, rocky landscape of the Tuwaiq Mountains. While the overall mega-project aims to set new standards in sports venue construction, one architectural and engineering masterpiece is already commanding attention: the stunning opening chicane known as “The Blade.”
A corner complex at dizzying heights at Saudi Arabian
“The Blade” breaks radically with the traditional design of classic racetracks. Instead of running flat along the asphalt, this unique section shoots upwards like a ramp. The absolute highlight: drivers race through a chicane perched on an elevated structure, hovering a staggering 108 meters—roughly equivalent to 20 stories—above the ground at its highest point.
A massive event and concert arena is integrated beneath this spectacular corner section, taking the fusion of elite sport and entertainment to a whole new level. For the drivers, this section presents an extreme challenge involving significant elevation changes, while spectators enjoy an unparalleled view of the racing action. The future of the pinnacle of motorsport beyond Jeddah: Designed by renowned German track architect Hermann Tilke and former Formula 1 driver Alexander Wurz, the circuit is set to replace the current street circuit in Jeddah as the host venue for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix upon completion.
The creators promise nothing less than one of the fastest and most technically demanding circuits in the world. Current construction progress underscores that this mega-project—part of Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030”—is no longer a distant prospect. By combining state-of-the-art track technology, the dramatic backdrop of desert cliffs, and futuristic elements like “The Blade,” Qiddiya is poised to revolutionize the global motorsport landscape for good.
