Official: Jeddah replaces Diriyah for Formula E double header in Saudi Arabia in 2025

Now it's official: Formula E will no longer hold its Saudi Arabia race in Diriyah in 2025, but in Jeddah instead. The electric series will race on the Red Sea coast on 14 and 15 February on the "Jeddah Corniche Short Circuit", which many motorsport fans will be familiar with from Formula 1. This was officially announced by Formula E on Tuesday afternoon.

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sport has already approved the venue for the Jeddah E-Prix 2025. Confirmation by the FIA at the World Motor Sport Council in October 2024 is still pending, but is considered a formality. A change of venue in Saudi Arabia had already been speculated for some time. Whether the double-header will be held at night as expected - like the Diriyah E-Prix recently - was initially left open by the series.

The reason for the move is thought to be that parts of the previously used track layout may not be usable next spring due to construction work. One of the largest construction pits in the world is located to the south of the circuit in the area of turns 4 to 7.

New season, new city ⚡️

We're excited to announce that our Season 11 race in Saudi Arabia will be held in Jeddah ??

The #JeddahEPrix will take place on the 14th and 15th February, at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. pic.twitter.com/DcGef2pTBT

— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) September 3, 2024

Diriyah was a permanent fixture on the Formula E calendar for a total of six seasons. The twisty circuit was one of the drivers' favourites and was considered difficult to drive. "I think the track in Riyadh was very cool, really challenging - but also very sandy. You also have to keep that in mind, because that was a really big factor," said driver Maximilian Günther when asked by e-Formula.news.

"In Jeddah, the whole thing will probably be a bit cleaner in terms of the track conditions. And driving on a Formula 1 circuit also has its appeal. I'm looking forward to it", said Günther.

"The move to Jeddah reflects Formula E's commitment to innovation and sustainability, and is in line with Saudi Arabia's vision for the future of the sport in the Kingdom," said a low-key description of Formula E. The press department will not release quotes on the subject until later today. We will therefore add them later in this article.