Saudi Arabian GP

F1 Jeddah 2026 | Dates, Schedule & Start times

After the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and Formula 1 reached an agreement on a long-term partnership, F1 took to the streets of Jeddah for the first time in 2021. 

Whilst the Jeddah Corniche Circuit currently holds the race, organisers have said that there are plans to move the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to a purpose-built track in the future. 

The street circuit is very fast, with average speeds of 252km/h, putting it second on the calendar behind only Monza. It also features 27 corners, the most on the F1 calendar, as drivers make their way past the Jeddah waterfront.

When is the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2026 on the F1 calendar?

The race weekend in Jeddah takes place from April 17 to April 19, 2026 marking the fifth showdown of the year. 

The first two free practice sessions occur on Friday, followed by the crucial qualifying session on Saturday, April 18, at 18:00 BST.

This is the start time of the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

The F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia is set to begin on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 18:00 BST. The race can be followed live on RacingNews365's live blog.

History of the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Being one of the latest additions to the Formula 1 schedule, the history of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is still very young.

The track was designed by the Tilke company in partnership with F1's Motorsport team who, to initially investigate possible layouts, used Google Earth to do so. The circuit is a temporary street track, though has some permanent sections.

Ross Brawn, F1's Managing Director, said of the circuit: "What we want to see is a race circuit. We don't want Mickey Mouse circuits. We don't want those old classic street circuits with 90 degree turns. 

"We want fast sweeping circuits, circuits which are going to challenge the drivers – and they are going to love it."