Striking new F1 track begins to take shape with bizarre corner

Fresh images have been shared of the Qiddiya Speed Park Track as construction continues on the track poised to join the calendar from 2028.

Plans for the circuit were unveiled two years ago, forming part of the megaproject funded by the Saudi Arabian government.

Although Jeddah has hosted F1 in Saudi Arabia since 2021, Qiddyia is seeking to take over as host in the near future. 

Qiddiya itself is currently still under construction, as is the circuit that is to run through it. 

Designed by Herman Tilke and Alexander Wurz, the circuit is going to have 21 corners and will replace Spa-Francorchamps as the longest circuit on the F1 calendar. 

Construction of the circuit began in 2024 and is expected to cost an estimated $480 million. The most striking feature of this circuit, however, will be its first corner. 

The Blade, as the turn is to be called, is planned above a concert hall and is expected to reach a height of more than 70 meters (20 stories), with a gradient of 10 degrees.

Photos now show how far along the construction of the striking first curve is.

In addition to a photo of The Blade, there is also an aerial view of the Hotel Section, a narrow, winding section of the track between the, as the name suggests, hotel complexes. 

Check out the images below!