Saudi Arabia is building a massive $500M F1 track that includes a first turn which sits 20-floors high in the sky
Published on Sep 24, 2026 at 4:08 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Sep 24, 2026 at 4:08 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
A $500 million Formula 1 track is being built in Saudi Arabia, featuring a first turn that rises 20 stories high.
The figures attached to this project are nothing short of breath-taking.
It’s like something that you would only see in a video game or a film.
But this is all too real, and is set to host the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix within a few short years.
There’s no shortage of incredible projects in Saudi Arabia
It seems like every other day there’s news of an impressive infrastructure being approved in Saudi Arabia.
And that trend is going to continue with news of the Qiddiya Speed Park Track, which is currently still under construction.
If the finished project is anything close to the images that have already been released, something truly remarkable is on the way.
What you need to know about the Qiddiya Speed Park Track – where the track reaches heights of 20 floors
The man who envisioned this remarkable track is German engineer and former racing driver Hermann Tilke, with the assistance of former F1 driver Alexander Wurz.
In total, this track has 21 corners, 80 garages, and a projected top speed of 201 miles per hour.
At points, there’s an estimated elevation change of 108 metres.
Located within Qiddiya City, described as a ‘city-within-a-city’, the new venue is a major departure from the existing street-circuit in Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Jeddah has played host to the the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix since 2021, but those days are numbered.
From 2028, the completed F1 track in Qiddiya is set to take the mantle.
When that time comes, drivers and motorsports fans alike will get to feast their eyes on the ‘Blade’.
What’s that? It’s the first corner, climbing 70 meters into the air, roughly equivalent to the height of a 20-story building.
Reflect on how high that is, and you’ll quickly realize why this is such a big deal.
Beneath the ‘Blade’ is space for a concert venue.
Talk about a bold design choice.
The rest of the track runs alongside a rollercoaster and other planned leisure activities.
Instead of the standard grandstands, fans will enjoy the races from terrace-style viewing sections and balconies.
It’s safe to say that this F1 track is doing things differently.
Other incredible race tracks around the world
Nürburgring Nordschleife (Germany): Stretches out across 154 corners, and remains the ultimate test of driver skill.
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium): Sweeps through the Ardennes Forest, home to the world-famous Eau Rouge / Raidillon chicane sequence.
Mount Panorama / Bathurst (Australia): This track features a 174-meter elevation change from the pit to the mountain peak, but serves as a public road for most of the year.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (USA): Drops 5.5 stories in a sharp left-right chicane over a blind crest.
Suzuka International Racing Course (Japan): Originally designed as a Honda test track, the sequence of S-curves is a tough track for any driver to tackle.
Ben joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025 after being published by international organizations including LADbible, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail. He covers supercars, rare and collectible vehicles, aviation, luxury assets, and the fascinating people behind them. His reporting has explored everything from seven-figure supercars and historic Ferrari collections to unusual aircraft adventures and extraordinary automotive discoveries from around the world. Ben has also gained first-hand insight into vehicle craftsmanship and customization, including visiting specialist workshops to see bespoke vehicles up close.
