Formula One: Saudi Arabia To Host First Grand Prix Next Season

 

Formula 1 will welcome an inaugural Grand Prix in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia next year as the country has been confirmed to be added to the F1 2021 calendar. 

F1 chairman Chase Carey announced in a statement that the country will host its first race next season and also revealed that a provisional calendar for the season is in the making and will soon be presented to the appropriate council for approval.

"We are excited to welcome Saudi Arabia to Formula 1 for the 2021 season and welcome their announcement following speculation in recent days," said Chase. 

Saudi Arabia will become the third country in the Middle East to host a Grand Prix after Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. The race is expected to be held on November 1. 

Chase explained further that the country's population of over 70 percent being under 30 is very promising for Formula 1 in the bid to bring the sport to new fans around the world.

"We will be publishing our full provisional 2021 calendar in the coming weeks," Chase added. "This will be submitted to the World Motor Sport Council for approval."

The 2020 revised calendar witnessed an inaugural race at Tuscan Grand Prix in Italy, which was won by Lewis Hamilton for his 90th F1 race win. The race was a one-two finish for Mercedes with Valterri Bottas finishing second behind the six-time champion.