Saudi Arabia modifies circuit after concerns over driver safety

In 2021, the Jeddah circuit debuted on the F1 calendar, and in 2022, there was a second edition of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix. Both editions produced great races, but high-speed racing in the narrow streets was not without its dangers. Drivers were not happy with the visibility in some corners and hoped for modifications.

Adjustments in Saudi Arabia

Formula1.com knows to report that those adjustments have been made for the 2023 race. Bump tracks have been laid down in corners 3, 14, 19, 20, and 21 to slow down the cars when they get outside the track lines and the steel kerbs have been replaced by angled kerbs in corners 4, 8, 10, 11, 17 and 23.

In addition to those adjustments, the walls have been moved backward in corners 14 and 20, while in corners 8 and 10, the fences have actually been adjusted to increase visibility in those combinations. The biggest adjustment can be found in turns 22 and 23, as the S-shape of the turn has been shortened to accommodate the fence in turn 23 and add a bumpy track. This will lower the speed at the apex by 50 kilometres per hour.

CEO of Saudi Motorsport Company, Martin Whitaker, says the race wants to maintain its fast image, but wants to listen to feedback from the drivers in particular. The safety of the drivers is paramount when the F1 circus returns to Jeddah on 19 March for the second race of the 2023 season.