Round five of the Formula 1 season brings us to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the second of the Middle Eastern races and held at one of the newest and fastest circuits on the calendar.
This weekend, Formula 1 is in Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the final race of the first triple header of the year.
Red Bull has been victorious in three of the four races held at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The question is whether McLaren and Oscar Piastri will continue their dominant form, or if Ferrari and Mercedes can challenge for the win.
The weather forecast for the desert race weekend is predictably hot, dry, and stable, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures ranging from highs of 33°C to lows of 28°C.
Latest News
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Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal of Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in owning a Formula 1 team, in addition to hosting a grand prix.
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Sebastian Vettel, a four-time world champion, lauded Norris as a `real role model,` highlighting that the Formula 1 leader’s candid self-critique is a strength rather than a weakness. Conversely, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella mentioned that Norris was `unfair to himself` in his driving critiques, noting a lack of `connection` with the car.
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Helmut Marko, advisor to Red Bull, indicated growing concerns within the team about Max Verstappen potentially leaving at the end of the current year.
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Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 boss, suggested that his home race at Imola might be dropped from the calendar. Italy`s chances of maintaining two grand prix events are slim given the expanding 24-race schedule and numerous candidate locations.
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Get the race preview and the latest episode of ESPN’s F1 podcast, Unlapped, with Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson, live from Jeddah.
Circuit Stats and History
Located on the Red Sea coast, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is a temporary street circuit designed by Hermann Tilke`s company, a renowned F1 track designer. It stands out as one of the fastest circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, second only to Monza, and features a staggering 27 corners.
Introduced to the F1 calendar in 2021, it is among the newest races, alongside Miami and Las Vegas, which are also street circuits. Like its Middle Eastern counterparts, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is a night race, held under floodlights.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
First race: 2021
Laps: 50 laps of 6.1km. Total distance 308km
Lap record: 1:30.734 – Lewis Hamilton (2021)
Most wins: Max Verstappen with two (2022, 2024). Hamilton (2021) and Sergio Perez (2023) have also won here.
Most poles: Sergio Perez holds the most poles with two (2022-2023). Hamilton (2021) and Verstappen (2024) have also started from pole here.
What makes it special: It`s the world`s fastest street circuit, characterized by high-speed, flowing corners and close proximity to walls.
Driver feedback: `It’s incredibly fast, like a street circuit on steroids.` — Max Verstappen
Best viewing spot: Turn 22 grandstand. This spot offers views of the most challenging, high-speed section of the track, set against a beautiful mosque backdrop.
Last Year`s Race
Red Bull dominated the early part of last season, with Max Verstappen securing an easy victory, followed by his teammate Sergio Perez, who had won in Jeddah previously, and Charles Leclerc in third place.
Verstappen briefly lost the lead to Lando Norris when a safety car was deployed after Lance Stroll`s crash, but it was only a minor setback for the Dutch driver.
Race Predictions
McLaren is expected to remain the leading team, and given his current form, Oscar Piastri is a strong contender for another victory. George Russell is also tipped to continue Mercedes` recent strong performance and potentially secure another podium finish.
Championship Standings Overview
`Everyone keeps mentioning I`m leading the championship, and I`m still figuring out how,` Norris commented after the Bahrain Grand Prix. His four podiums and one victory explain his lead, albeit a slim one.
However, Max Verstappen is closing in, trailing by just eight points despite having a car that is considered slower.
McLaren is significantly ahead in the constructors` championship with 151 points, with Mercedes trailing in second place by 58 points.
How to Watch the GP
Watch live coverage on ESPN and ESPN+ (U.S. only). For viewers in the U.K., tune into Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
For the latest news, analysis, and updates, follow ESPN`s F1 team, Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson, in Jeddah and on social media.
Timings are in British Summer Time (BST).
Friday
Free practice one: 14:30-15:30 BST
Free practice two: 18:00-19:00 BST
Saturday
Free practice three: 14:30-15:30 BST
Qualifying: 18:00-19:00 BST
Sunday
Race start: 18:00 BST (pre-race build-up from 17:15 BST).
