Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix stc is set to return to Jeddah in 2027 with a significantly transformed Formula 1 landscape, as a new generation of cars, advanced overtaking systems, a 22-car grid, new teams and emerging young talent prepare to reshape the competition at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
The changes come as Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position on the global motorsport calendar, with the Jeddah Corniche Circuit preparing to host its sixth Formula 1 race since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix made its debut in 2021.
A new generation of Formula 1 cars
The latest generation of Formula 1 cars will be among the defining features of the 2027 race, following major technical changes introduced to the championship from the 2026 season.
The cars are lighter and narrower, with aerodynamic drag reduced by 40%. Lower downforce has also placed greater emphasis on driver skill and the ability to manage reduced grip, particularly through the high-speed corners that define the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Power units have also evolved. While the championship retains 1.6-litre V6 turbo engines, power is now split almost evenly between the internal combustion engine and electric power, with each contributing around 50%.
The shift adds a new strategic dimension to racing, requiring drivers to manage electrical energy alongside tyres and speed. The Boost Mode can provide maximum available power when attacking another car or defending a position.
New overtaking technology puts electric power at the centre
Another major change expected to influence the racing in Jeddah is the new overtaking system, which places greater emphasis on electrical energy rather than the previous form of the Drag Reduction System, or DRS.
When a driver is less than one second behind the car ahead, Overtake Mode can provide an additional energy boost, potentially creating more opportunities for attacks and overtakes.
Meanwhile, Straight Line Mode allows the front and rear wings to open in designated sections of the circuit, reducing drag and increasing top speed, a feature particularly relevant to Jeddah’s combination of high-speed straights and fast corners.
22 cars and the arrival of Cadillac and Audi
The 2027 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will feature a 22-car starting grid, two more cars than in the Kingdom’s most recent race.
The increase follows Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026 as the championship’s 11th team, with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez leading its driver line-up. Perez is already a Jeddah winner, having claimed victory at the circuit in 2023.
Audi will also compete in Jeddah following its official Formula 1 debut in 2026 after taking over the Sauber operation, with an ambitious project aimed at establishing the German manufacturer as a front-running team.
Their arrival adds another layer of competition to the Saudi race, where victories so far have been shared by just three teams: Mercedes, Red Bull and McLaren.
World champions meet a rising generation
The transformation extends beyond technology, with the 2027 race expected to feature an increasingly competitive battle between established champions and a new generation of drivers.
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen remain among the biggest names expected in Jeddah, having both previously won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and collectively holding 11 world titles.
The competitive picture has broadened in recent seasons. Oscar Piastri claimed an impressive victory in Jeddah in 2025 with McLaren, while his teammate Lando Norris went on to secure the World Championship in the season finale at the age of 26.
Kimi Antonelli has also emerged as one of the leading young talents, following a series of strong results and victories during the 2026 season as he targets a place among the sport’s youngest-ever champions.
The accompanying Formula 2 and F1 Academy races will provide fans with another opportunity to watch the next generation of drivers and female racing talent.
Jeddah’s race experience goes beyond the track
The fan experience has become a defining part of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which has grown since the Kingdom hosted its first Formula 1 race in 2021 into one of the world’s leading international sporting events.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, recognised as the world’s fastest street circuit, is preparing for another three-day race weekend combining Formula 1 action with entertainment, live music and fan experiences along the Red Sea.
The 2025 edition was named “Best Promoted Event” at the Formula 1 Promoter Awards, recognising its extensive entertainment programme, concerts, fan activations, fireworks and drone displays over the Red Sea.
Jeddah has previously welcomed some of the world’s biggest music stars, while the entertainment line-up and wider programme for the 2027 edition will be announced at a later stage.
Early preparations underway for 2027
With a new generation of cars, redesigned overtaking technology, a 22-car grid, new teams challenging the established order and an increasingly competitive battle between world champions and emerging talent, the 2027 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is shaping up to be more than another Formula 1 return to Jeddah.
Saudi Motorsport Company, the promoter of the event, has already launched early ticket sales, giving fans the opportunity to secure seats at discounted rates ahead of the race, with the official race date expected to be announced later this year.
Early-booking offers include 15% off three-day packages across all ticket categories and 10% off premium hospitality packages, with further details on hospitality, entertainment and fan experiences to be announced later.
