Saudi Arabia continues to solidify its position as a leading global destination for motorsports, in line with the goals of Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on the sports and entertainment sector, with a particular focus on sustainability and clean energy. Hosting the Formula E electric car races is a true embodiment of this direction, as the Kingdom blends the rich history of Diriyah with the promising future of Jeddah on the Red Sea coast.
A historic launch from the heart of Diriyah (2018)
The story began in 2018 when Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, opened its doors to host the opening round of the fifth season of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. It wasn't just a race; it was a declaration of the Kingdom's entry into a new era of international sport. That year, Portuguese driver António Félix da Costa of the BMW i Andretti team made history as the first Formula E winner on Saudi Arabian soil, ushering in a new chapter of ongoing excitement.
Evolution of competition and night racing (2019-2024)
The following years witnessed a dramatic evolution in the race's course and organization:
- 2019: The event turned into a double-header, with the victory shared by Briton Sam Bird (Envision Racing) and his compatriot Alexander Sims (BMW i Andretti).
- 2021: After a forced hiatus due to the pandemic, Diriyah returned with an exceptional event: the first all-night race in the championship's history, utilizing sustainable lighting technologies. The winners this year were Dutchman Nyk de Vries and Briton Sam Bird .
- 2022-2023: The rivalry continued, with Swiss driver Edoardo Mortara in 2022, while German driver Pascal Wehrlein (TAG Heuer Porsche) completely dominated the two races in 2023, becoming the first driver to achieve two consecutive wins in Diriyah.
- 2024: The Diriyah races concluded with a victory for Briton Jake Dennis (Andretti) and New Zealander Nick Cassidy (Jaguar TCS).
A new era on Jeddah's Corniche (2025 and beyond)
By 2025, the excitement had shifted from the tight corners of Diriyah to the speed of Jeddah's Corniche , the world's fastest street circuit. This transition was not only geographical but also technical and sporting, as the Jeddah circuit required different strategies for managing power and speed.
In the first round in Jeddah, German Maximilian Günther of the DS Penske team shone, clinching the title in the third round, while Briton Oliver Rowland of the Nissan team proved his superiority by taking the lead in the fourth round. This shift underscores the Kingdom's commitment to providing innovative experiences for both fans and teams.
Economic and sporting impact
Hosting these championships extends far beyond the track; it contributes to boosting sports tourism, attracting foreign investment, and promoting a culture of clean energy and sustainable transportation in the region. With the next edition in 2026 eagerly anticipated, Saudi Arabia remains in the global spotlight, awaiting the outcome of the upcoming rounds of the ABB Formula E World Championship, reaffirming its status as a land of championships and a home for champions.
