Since its inception in Saudi Arabia in 2018, the ABB FIA Formula E Championship has been more than just a sporting event; it has been a living embodiment of the ambitions of Vision 2030 and a clear message to the world that Saudi Arabia is moving decisively towards a diversified and sustainable future. Hosting the race in the historic city of Diriyah, a jewel of the Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, added a unique dimension, blending the richness of the past with the technology of the future to deliver an unparalleled motorsport experience.
General context: Formula E and Saudi Vision 2030
Formula E is the pinnacle of the world's electric single-seater racing series, focusing not only on speed and competition but also on sustainability and technological innovation. This aligns perfectly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil, enhance quality of life, and establish the Kingdom as a global hub for tourism, sports, and entertainment. By hosting this global event, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to clean energy and innovative environmental solutions, positioning itself as a destination capable of organizing major international events to the highest standards.
A history full of heroes on the Diriyah circuit
The Diriyah street circuit, which winds around the walls of the historic city, has witnessed thrilling chapters of competition and the crowning of various champions over the years, reflecting the competitive nature of the championship. The story began in 2018 with a victory for Portuguese driver António Félix da Costa of BMW e Andretti. In 2019, Diriyah hosted a double-header, with Briton Sam Bird winning the first round and his compatriot Alexander Sims taking the title in the second. After a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the championship returned in full force in 2021 with a historic event: the first-ever night race in Formula E history. Dutchman Nyck de Vries of Mercedes won the first round, while Sam Bird claimed victory in the second. The excitement continued in 2022 with Nyck de Vries again winning the first round, and Swiss driver Edoardo Mortara securing the win in the second. 2023 saw German driver Pascal Wehrlein dominate, winning both rounds. In the 2024 edition, the victory was shared by Briton Jake Dennis and New Zealander Nick Cassidy, reaffirming that the Diriyah circuit only recognizes the strongest.
The importance and expected impact of the event
The significance of the Diriyah Formula E race extends far beyond the track. Locally, the event inspires Saudi youth, creates jobs in the sports, hospitality, and event management sectors, and boosts domestic tourism, attracting visitors to the historic Diriyah region. Regionally, hosting the race has cemented the Kingdom's position as the motorsport capital of the Middle East, complementing other major events such as the Jeddah Formula 1 race and the Dakar Rally. Internationally, the race serves as a strategic platform to enhance the Kingdom's image, showcase its cultural openness and impressive organizational capabilities, and attract foreign investment in the sustainable technology and entertainment sectors.
