Jeddah to host fourth round of UIM F1H2O World Championship as part of Jeddah Season 2025
- SAUDI ARABIA BREAKING NEWS
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
JEDDAH, November 23, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Jeddah is preparing to host the fourth round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship, the Grand Prix of Jeddah, from November 27 to 30 as part of Jeddah Season 2025, marking the city’s official entry onto the championship’s global circuit.
The announcement followed a ceremony in Shanghai, China, during which the Saudi delegation received the championship flag, attended by F1H2O Racing Founder and President Nicolo di San Germano.
The event, considered the world’s leading series for single-seater powerboat racing, highlights the Kingdom’s rising status as an international destination for major sports competitions. Jeddah’s strategic location strengthens its role as a city that blends sports, entertainment, and maritime culture, aligning with its broader development as a hub for large-scale events.
The championship is known for its fast pace and intense competition among elite international drivers. Competitors race for around 30 minutes on a protected water course, earning 20 points for first place, 15 for second, and 12 for third, with points awarded down to 10th place.
Since the 2024 season, starting positions have been determined through two sprint races, with drivers divided into two groups. Additional points awarded in these rounds increase the tactical dimension of the competition.
F1H2O boats reach 145 km/h in turns, exceed 226 km/h on straightaways, and are capable of achieving a world-record top speed of 261 km/h.
Safety measures have significantly advanced since the championship’s early years in the 1980s, when boats featured open plywood cockpits. Modern boats now include closed, impact-resistant cockpits, flotation systems, and internal harnesses to protect drivers in case of capsizing.
Races are launched using UIM’s standardized starting system: a two-minute warning, followed by a 30-second countdown, before boats accelerate from the starting platform.
