Jeddah route modified again for safety reasons and at pilots’ request

Introduced in 2021 on the Formula 1 calendar, the second edition of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix took place in 2022. While both editions featured some great races, safety was one of the biggest concerns raised by the drivers. At high speeds, visibility in certain corners left much to be desired.

In preparation for the 2023 race, adjustments have been made, particularly in turns 3, 14, 19, 20, and 21, where chicane tracks have been installed to slow down the racing cars as they exit the track lines. The steel borders have been replaced by angular borders in turns 4, 8, 10, 11, 17, and 23.

In turns 14 and 20, the walls have been moved. In turns 8 and 10, the fences have actually been adjusted to increase visibility in these combinations at that location. But the most significant modification is in turns 22 and 23. The S-shape of this turn has been shortened to accommodate the turn 23 barrier and add the bumpy track. The speed in the turn will be reduced by 50 km/h according to simulation estimates.

Martin Whitaker, the CEO of Saudi Motorsport Company, states that the race wants to maintain its reputation for fast racing while taking into account the feedback of the drivers in particular. The safety of the drivers is paramount for the race, which will return to Jeddah on March 19th for the second race of the 2023 season.

At the beginning of the year, the circuit had already seen some modifications in order to make certain turns less blind, allowing for better visibility of potential slow-moving cars or accidents on the track.