Formula E is firmly committed to maintaining a presence in Saudi Arabia, despite the ongoing regional turmoil. CEO Jeff Dodds has expressed the organization’s determination to “fight tooth and nail” to keep the Kingdom on its racing calendar for the upcoming season.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in Formula E
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a crucial venue for the all-electric racing series. The country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has become a significant partner, contributing not just financial backing but also acquiring a minority stake in the series. This partnership has resulted in some of the season’s most extravagant events, characterized by high production value, including stunning drone shows and record-setting fireworks, thanks to substantial investments from both the PIF and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sport.
Since the commencement of Season 6, 14 races have been successfully held in Saudi Arabia. Initially, the races took place at the Diriyah World Heritage Site, while the more recent events have migrated to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, a venue also used by Formula 1. Each race in Saudi Arabia has typically been a double-header event since November 2019, showcasing the growing popularity and significance of the location within the racing community.
Upcoming Calendar and Challenges
Attention is now shifting to the Formula E calendar announcement scheduled for the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting on June 23. This upcoming season marks the introduction of the Gen4 era, anticipated to kick off in mid-December and run through July 2027. The political instability in the Middle East is complicating planning for both Formula E and Formula 1. While F1 had to cancel its Jeddah race in April, Formula E managed to complete its event in February before the crisis escalated.
Dodds has remained somewhat tight-lipped about next season’s calendar, though sources suggest Jeddah is keen to host the inaugural race of the Gen4 era in December. Although he refrained from confirming any specific arrangements, he did emphasize that Formula E is making every effort to include Saudi Arabia in next season’s lineup.
Commitment to Racing in Saudi Arabia
In a recent interview with RacingNews365, Dodds stated, “It wouldn’t be shocking news for everyone that we plan to race in Jeddah next season.” He acknowledged the current complexities but highlighted that the timeline for the season’s commencement is still several months away. “As we sit here, perhaps it wouldn’t be prudent to have a race in the Middle East right now, but that’s a long way off. Our relationship with Saudi Arabia has developed over many years,” he explained.
Dodds emphasized the pioneering role of Formula E in entering the Saudi market, noting the series was the first motorsport to establish a successful partnership with the country. He expressed confidence in the flexibility and eagerness of this collaborative effort: “If we can’t stage the event as the season-opener, we will seek another opportunity in the calendar to ensure it takes place.”
The overarching message is clear: Formula E intends to persist in its partnership with Saudi Arabia, driven by both the desire to host its races in the region and the historical significance of its relationship with the Kingdom. As the situation evolves, the series remains committed to navigating the challenges to ensure that racing continues in this pivotal location.