Formula One has confirmed the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will take place next year.

The grand prix, which is set to be the penultimate of a record-breaking 23-round calendar, will be a night race on the streets of Jeddah.

F1 bosses are likely to attract criticism for staging a race in Saudi Arabia because of the country’s human rights record.

But the sport follows golf, tennis and boxing in hosting a major event in Saudi Arabia. Formula E, the all-electric motor racing series, has already staged two races there.

In 2023, it is expected the grand prix will move to Qiddiyah, 30 miles outside the capital Riyadh, where a track is currently being built.

Human rights organisation Amnesty International has called on Lewis Hamilton and his fellow drivers to speak out against the race, which is set to be pencilled in for the final weekend of November.

‘Formula One should realise that a Saudi Grand Prix in 2021 would be part of ongoing efforts to sportswash the country’s abysmal human rights record,’ the group said in a statement.

‘In the lead-up to a race in Jeddah, we would urge all F1 drivers, owners and teams to consider speaking out about the human rights situation in the country, including by expressing solidarity with jailed human rights defenders.’

An F1 spokesperson said: “For decades Formula One has worked hard be a positive force everywhere it races, including economic, social, and cultural benefits.

“Sports like Formula One are uniquely positioned to cross borders and cultures to bring countries and communities together to share the passion and excitement of incredible competition and achievement.

“We take our responsibilities very seriously and have made our position on human rights and other issues clear to all our partners and host countries who commit to respect human rights in the way their events are hosted and delivered.”

Saudi Arabia’s sports minister HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal told the BBC: “Saudi Arabia was criticised for being closed off to the world, and now we’ve opened up, we’re criticised for sports-washing.

“For many Saudis this will be a dream come true. It’s a very special moment. We can showcase to the world what we’re capable of.”