Riyadh | BETH

The Scene

From the historic desert backdrop of Diriyah to the vibrant shores of Jeddah, Formula E in Saudi Arabia has evolved into more than a race track. It has become a narrative platform blending heritage with innovation—positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for future sports aligned with sustainability and clean energy ambitions.

The Saudi Path: Key Moments & Champions

2018 | Diriyah: Portuguese driver António Félix da Costa claimed a historic opening victory on Saudi soil.

2019 | Diriyah (Double-header): Britain’s Sam Bird won Round 1, while Alexander Sims took Round 2.

2020: The event was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021 | Diriyah (Night race): Dutchman Nyck de Vries topped Round 1; Britain’s Sam Bird secured Round 2.

2022 | Diriyah: Nyck de Vries again claimed Round 1, with Swiss driver Edoardo Mortara winning Round 2.

2023 | Diriyah: Germany’s Pascal Wehrlein dominated both rounds, becoming the first driver to win twice consecutively on the Saudi circuit.

2024 | Diriyah: Britain’s Jake Dennis won Round 1; New Zealand’s Nick Cassidy took Round 2.

2025 | Jeddah: The championship moved to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit; Germany’s Maximilian Günther won Round 3, while Britain’s Oliver Rowland claimed Round 4.

2026 | Jeddah (Upcoming): Anticipation builds for Rounds 4 and 5 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, Season 12.

The BETH Angle

The shift from Diriyah to Jeddah is not merely a change of venue—it is a strategic narrative shift:

Diriyah anchored Formula E’s Saudi debut in heritage and symbolism.

Jeddah amplifies the global, touristic, and media-facing dimension along the Red Sea.

Formula E thus becomes a soft-power platform—linking motorsport with sustainability and reshaping Saudi Arabia’s global sporting image.

What Has Changed?

Visual narrative: from desert heritage to a global seaside cityscape.

Audience reach: Jeddah expands tourism and international media pull.

Green storytelling: Formula E reinforces Saudi Arabia’s positioning within the clean-energy sports narrative.

BETH Closing

In Saudi Arabia, Formula E is no longer just electric racing—it is a story in motion.
From the jewel of Diriyah to the Bride of the Red Sea, champions change, scenes evolve, and Saudi Arabia’s global sporting narrative gains a new layer with every season.