Jeddah Gears up to Hold Formula 1 stc Grand Prix at World’s Fastest Street Circuit 

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull won last year’s edition of the race. (SPA)
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull won last year’s edition of the race. (SPA)
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Jeddah Gears up to Hold Formula 1 stc Grand Prix at World’s Fastest Street Circuit 

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull won last year’s edition of the race. (SPA)
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull won last year’s edition of the race. (SPA)

The thrill is back on the shores of the Red Sea as the fifth annual Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix approaches. From April 18 to 20, Jeddah will host one of the most anticipated and captivating sporting events, with the Kingdom becoming a key player in the international motorsports scene.

After four years of consecutive successes, Jeddah is ready to welcome speed enthusiasts back to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, known as the world’s fastest street circuit. Stretching over 6 kilometers with 27 sharp turns and three drag reduction system (DRS) detection zones, the track offers breathtaking overtaking moments and average speeds exceeding 250 km/h, promising fans an extraordinary experience filled with excitement and adrenaline.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull won last year’s edition of the race.

The Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah also represents Saudi Arabia's ambitious vision to host top-tier global events, reflecting the rapid transformation in the sports sector and boosting the Kingdom's position as a leading destination on the international sports map, backed by unwavering support from the leadership.

Since its debut in 2021, the Jeddah Formula 1 Grand Prix has established itself as an eagerly awaited annual event, drawing massive crowds and significant media presence from around the globe. Last year's race attracted over 300 media professionals from 41 countries, along with more than 50 international channels and 114 media outlets from various continents, showcasing the immense buzz surrounding this event on both regional and global levels.

This fifth consecutive hosting underscores Saudi Arabia's organizational readiness, world-class infrastructure, and high logistical capacity, all aligned with the goals of Vision 2030 aimed at enhancing quality of life, diversifying the economy, and making the Kingdom a regional and international hub for major sporting events.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri is leading the driver standings with his teammate Lando Norris second and Verstappen third.



Alcaraz’s Respect for Nadal Grows after Clay Swing Takes Its Toll

Tennis - ATP 500 - Barcelona Open - Real Club de Tenis Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain - April 20, 2025 Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in action during the final against Denmark's Holger Rune. (Reuters)
Tennis - ATP 500 - Barcelona Open - Real Club de Tenis Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain - April 20, 2025 Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in action during the final against Denmark's Holger Rune. (Reuters)
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Alcaraz’s Respect for Nadal Grows after Clay Swing Takes Its Toll

Tennis - ATP 500 - Barcelona Open - Real Club de Tenis Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain - April 20, 2025 Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in action during the final against Denmark's Holger Rune. (Reuters)
Tennis - ATP 500 - Barcelona Open - Real Club de Tenis Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain - April 20, 2025 Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in action during the final against Denmark's Holger Rune. (Reuters)

Carlos Alcaraz believes fatigue contributed to the leg issue that troubled him in his Barcelona Open final defeat and the Spaniard said the grueling nature of Europe's claycourt swing gave him even more reason to marvel at Rafa Nadal's success.

After winning the Monte Carlo trophy last week, Alcaraz was seeking a third title in four years at Barcelona but the 21-year-old's nine-match winning run on clay was snapped by Dane Holger Rune, who sealed a 7-6(6) 6-2 victory on Sunday.

Alcaraz took a 2-1 lead in the second set but then needed a medical timeout to deal with the leg problem and was unable to turn the match around, leaving some fans worried about his fitness ahead of the Madrid Open, which begins on Wednesday.

"That's what happens when you play so many matches and have so few days to rest. It's so demanding and you have to give 100% every day," Alcaraz said.

"Having played a tournament like Monte Carlo and arriving in Barcelona with few days to adapt is really tough."

Alcaraz said he received kind words from retired 22-times Grand Slam champion Nadal, the last man to win Monte Carlo and Barcelona in consecutive weeks in 2018.

"I bow at the feet of Rafa because of what he did week after week. You have to respect that," Alcaraz said of the 14-times French Open winner.

"We admire Rafa for what he's done on this swing. Winning everything consecutively is impossible. Once you experience it, you appreciate what Rafa did much more and how difficult it is to be 100% physically and mentally week after week."

Alcaraz, who will defend his Roland Garros title when the Grand Slam begins on May 25, was confident he could shake off his latest injury.

"We'll have two days off ... I'll talk with my team, we'll do some tests, but I'm confident it won't affect me in Madrid."