SAUDI ARABIA COVER

Saudi Arabia F1 24: Sector-by-Sector Track Guide

Welcome to the Saudi Arabia F1 24 track guide!

Whether you’re a seasoned sim racer or just starting out, this guide will help you tackle the complexities of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The Saudi Arabia Grand Prix is a high-speed spectacle that challenges precision, bravery, and strategy. Let’s dive into the details of this electrifying track!

Circuit Overview

  • Length: 6.174 km (3.836 miles)
  • Laps: 50 (in a full race)
  • Turns: 27
  • Race Distance: 308.450 km (191.662 miles)

The Saudi Arabia Jeddah Corniche Circuit, introduced in 2021, is a street track unlike any other. Located along the Red Sea, it boasts a stunning backdrop and one of the fastest layouts in Formula 1, with average speeds second only to Monza. At 6.174 kilometres (3.836 miles), it’s one of the longest tracks on the calendar, featuring 27 corners, including a combination of high-speed bends and tricky technical sections. The track’s flowing nature and tight walls leave little room for error, making precision key for setting fast lap times. With its high-speed straights and numerous corners, Jeddah promises intense and thrilling racing.

In this guide, we’ll break down each sector and provide tips for mastering the Saudi Arabia circuit, corner by corner.

Sector 1: Corners 1–12

Turn 1
The first major braking zone after the high-speed start/finish straight. Brake hard and late, aiming for a tight apex to the left. Be careful on exit, as it’s easy to lose traction here with the track camber working against you.

Turn 2
A smooth right-hander immediately following Turn 1. Keep the car stable, focusing on hitting the apex to carry speed into the next section. This sets up your momentum for the upcoming series of flowing bends.

Turns 3–4
Quick flick left and right through these bends. Turn 3 is flat out, but for Turn 4, ease off the throttle slightly to maintain balance. With limited space for error, precision and minimal steering input are essential here.

Turns 5–7
A series of sweeping left-right curves that demand precision and confidence. Take Turn 5 flat out, but brake lightly into Turn 6. Stay tight through Turn 7 to set up for the next sequence. Proper positioning through these corners is critical for lap time.

Turns 8–12
This section is fast and flowing, testing your car’s aerodynamics. Turn 8 is flat but for Turns 9–10, feather the throttle to maintain stability. Turn 11 requires a confident entry, as it’s a faster corner than it seems. Finally, stay tight through Turn 12 to maintain momentum into the start of Sector 2.

Sector 2:  Corners 13–22

Turn 13
A challenging, long left-hander with a slightly off-camber profile. Brake in a straight line before the turn and aim for a late apex. Carrying speed through here is crucial, as it leads into a lengthy flat-out section. Use the camber to your advantage, but be cautious of oversteering on exit.

Turns 14–16
Flat out through this sequence of sweeping curves. Stay committed to the throttle and use the full width of the track to minimize steering input. This section rewards bravery and precision.

Turns 17–18
A fast, sweeping section. These are flat out in qualifying, but during the race, you might need to ease off slightly depending on tyre conditions and traffic. Keep your car steady, as any corrections can cost valuable time.

Turns 19–20
A tight left-right combination. Approach Turn 19 cautiously with a short dab on the brakes, and balance the car through Turn 20. Set up for a smooth entry into the next high-speed section.

Turns 21–22
Another high-speed sequence. Stay committed to full throttle through Turn 21, but be cautious of Turn 22, as its slight dip can unsettle the car. Accuracy is key to maintaining momentum here.

Sector 3: Corners 23–27

Turn 23
Brake moderately for this left-hander. Get on the power early on exit to maximize speed down the straight. Positioning here sets you up for the flat-out kinks ahead.

Turns 24–25
Flat-out kinks. Use the full track width to prepare for the upcoming braking zone. These corners are straightforward but critical for maintaining top speed.

Turn 26
Approach with caution. This high-speed right-hander requires precision, as overcommitting can ruin your entry into the final corner. Hug the inside line while preparing for the braking zone ahead.

Turn 27
The last braking zone before the start/finish straight. Brake late and aim for a late apex, allowing you to get on the throttle early for the long straight. A clean exit here is crucial for carrying top speed across the line and into your next lap.

Full Qualifying Lap

In this section, you’ll find my full Saudi Arabia F1 24 qualifying lap video where I aim to challenge myself against real-world qualifying lap times. This lap captures the essence of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit’s unique challenges, from high-speed straights to technical corners, pushing the limits of precision and strategy. Watch the video to see how I tackled the track and how close I came to matching—or even beating—those real-world times!

Previous Pole Lap Times

  • 2024: Max Verstappen – 1:27.472
  • 2023: Sergio Pérez – 1:28.265 
  • 2022: Sergio Pérez – 1:28.200
  • 2021: Lewis Hamilton – 1:27.511

Saudi Arabia F1 24 Setup

For my Saudi Arabia F1 24 qualifying lap, I used a setup designed for a 35% race distance using 100 AI difficulty.  It’s a solid foundation to fine-tune and adapt to your driving style.  I’ve opted for aset it and forget itapproach, so you don’t need to adjust brake bias or the on-throttle diff during the race, which is helpful if you’re uncomfortable making changes on the fly.

AerodynamicsFront wing30
Rear wing10
TransmissionDifferential on-throttle50
Differential off-throttle35
Engine braking100
Suspension GeometryFront camber-3.50
Rear camber-2.20
Front toe-out0.00
Rear toe-in0.05
SuspensionFront suspension41
Rear suspension1
Front anti-roll bar21
Rear anti-roll bar18
Front ride height25
Rear ride height55
BrakesBrake pressure100%
Front brake bias55%
TyresFront right tyre pressure28.5psi
Front left tyre pressure26.0psi
Rear right tyre pressure26.5psi
Rear left tyre pressure26.5psi

Memorable Moments in Saudi Arabia F1 History

  1. Inaugural 2021 Race Chaos: The first-ever Saudi Arabia Grand Prix saw multiple red flags and collisions, including the famous Verstappen-Hamilton collision.
  2. Hamilton-Verstappen Showdown (2021): A dramatic race where both title contenders clashed multiple times.
  3. Sergio Pérez’s First Pole (2022): A historic first for Pérez after 200+ races.
  4. Mick Schumacher’s Crash (2022): A terrifying high-speed crash during qualifying.
  5. Oliver Bearman Maiden F1 race (2024): Started 11th and had an incredible drive to end up finishing 7th.  

I’ve included some of these memorable moments from the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix not just because I’m a sim racer, but because I’m a huge Formula 1 fan as well. It would be great to hear some of your favorite memorable moments too—share them in the comments below!

Personal Lap Reflection

The Saudi Arabia Grand Prix is always an exciting challenge, and I genuinely enjoy racing on this unique circuit.

Looking back at my lap time, I’m pleased with the result, even though I know there’s still room to improve. This lap was recorded without any editing, highlighting a couple of minor lock-ups and even a brush with the walls—proof that I’m just an everyday racer who loves pushing their limits.

I may not be an Esports driver, as their skill level is on an entirely different plane, but that’s the beauty of sim racing—it’s accessible to everyone. Whether you’re racing on a console or PC, using a controller or a full racing setup, there’s endless enjoyment to be found. It’s all about the journey of improving, chasing that perfect lap, and savoring the adrenaline of the experience. So, power up your device, get your racing gear ready, and let the lights go out—time to race!

Beyond being a sim racer, I’m a passionate Formula 1 fan, and this connection drives my excitement for creating these guides. I’d love to hear how this setup works for you and what lap times you’re able to achieve. Don’t hesitate to share your results and any unforgettable moments you’ve had racing at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix!

Conclusion

The Jeddah Grand Prix is a high-speed challenge that requires precision, bravery, and strategy. With its unique layout, this street circuit is not for the faint-hearted, but when mastered, it offers immense rewards. By following this sector-by-sector guide, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the complexities of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit and improve your lap times. The combination of fast straights and technical corners demands a well-balanced setup and full commitment. I hope this guide helps you shave off those crucial tenths and enhances your experience.

I put together this track guide using my trusty Fanatec GT DD Pro 8Nm racing wheel paired with the F1 Esports V2 rim, along with modded CSL pedals for that extra responsiveness. I race on the PS5, seated comfortably in my modified Playseat Challenge. To elevate my performance even further, I gear up with specialized gloves and boots that provide the perfect grip and feel. This setup has truly enhanced my control and precision on the track, making every racing session not just competitive, but incredibly enjoyable!

Feel free to share your lap times, your setups, and any memorable moments you’ve had at the Jeddah Grand Prix! Whether you’re a newcomer to sim racing or an experienced racer, the journey towards that perfect lap is what makes this hobby so enjoyable. See you at the next race!

“Looking for more tips and in-depth guides? Check out my YouTube channel for detailed walkthroughs, pole lap videos, and setup insights for every track. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates and sim racing content!”

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