From Diriyah to Jeddah, Journey of Formula E Champions in Saudi Arabia Continues

From the vast desert landscape of Diriyah, the jewel of the Kingdom, to the vibrant shores of Jeddah, various rounds of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship have unfolded, blending history and innovation with technological creativity.

 This has never been merely a race circuit, but a platform from which global sporting ambitions set off, shaping a bright future for Formula E on Saudi soil. With the 2026 Jeddah E-Prix on the horizon, the journey presses on.

 Formula E’s journey in the Kingdom began in 2018 in Diriyah, marking the first chapter of electric motorsport excitement and competition. The event reflected Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to hosting diverse international sporting spectacles and positioning itself as a global sports hub aligned with sustainability and clean energy goals. Portugal’s António Félix Da Costa, driving for BMW i Andretti Motorsport, claimed victory in that inaugural race, signaling a historic beginning for the championship on the Kingdom’s soil.

 In 2019, the Diriyah E-Prix featured a thrilling double-header weekend: Britain’s Sam Bird, who was racing for Envision Virgin Racing, won the opening race, and fellow Briton Alexander Sims, who drove for BMW i Andretti Motorsport, claimed victory in the second, underlining the intensity of competition and the value of every second on track.

 The championship paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but returned in 2021 with a striking new dimension — its first night race under the lights. Dutch driver Nyck de Vries won the opening race for Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team, while Bird, now racing for Jaguar Racing, took the second.

 The momentum carried into 2022, with De Vries again claiming victory in the opening race, and Switzerland’s Edoardo Mortara triumphing in the second for ROKiT Venturi Racing, as global drivers battled fiercely for supremacy.

 The 2023 edition proved exceptional. Germany’s Pascal Wehrlein dominated both Diriyah races, triumphing for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team and becoming the first driver to secure back-to-back victories on the Saudi circuit with a commanding display of pace and precision.

 In 2024, during the sixth edition of the race in Diriyah, Britain’s Jake Dennis of Andretti Formula E won the first race, while New Zealand’s Nick Cassidy claimed the second for Jaguar TCS Racing, closing another electrifying chapter in the Jewel of the Kingdom.

 Then came 2025, ushering in a new dawn for Formula E along the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, where excitement reached its peak. Germany’s Maximilian Günther of DS Penske won the first race, which counted as Round three of the season, while Britain’s Oliver Rowland of Nissan Formula E Team took top spot in Round four, opening a new chapter of challenge and excellence on the Red Sea coast.

 As for 2026, anticipation continues for what Rounds four and five of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s 12th season will deliver.