Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to the Jeddah Showdown
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is back, lighting up the Jeddah Corniche Circuit from April 18-20, 2025, as the fifth round of the Formula 1 season. This high-speed street circuit, known for its heart-pounding corners and floodlit drama, promises another unforgettable race weekend. With McLaren dominating early in 2025, can Red Bull reclaim their Jeddah crown, or will Ferrari and Mercedes steal the spotlight? Here’s everything you need to know about session times, predictions, stats, and the latest buzz.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Schedule: Don’t Miss a Moment
The action unfolds over three days at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, with practice, qualifying, and the race all under the evening lights. Here’s the schedule in UK time (BST):
| Session | Date | Time (BST) |
|---|---|---|
| Free Practice 1 | Friday, April 18 | 14:30 – 15:30 |
| Free Practice 2 | Friday, April 18 | 18:00 – 19:00 |
| Free Practice 3 | Saturday, April 19 | 14:30 – 15:30 |
| Qualifying | Saturday, April 19 | 18:00 – 19:00 |
| Race | Sunday, April 20 | 18:00 |
US viewers can catch the race at 1 PM ET on April 20 on ESPN and ESPN+. In the UK, tune into Sky Sports F1 or BBC Radio 5 Live for live coverage.
Jeddah Corniche Circuit: Fast Facts and History
Designed by Hermann Tilke, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is a 6.1km beast with 27 corners, making it the fastest street circuit in F1. Since its debut in 2021, it’s been a fan favorite for its high-speed thrills and close walls, earning praise from drivers like Max Verstappen, who called it “a street circuit on steroids.”
- First Race: 2021
- Laps: 50 (308km total)
- Lap Record: 1:30.734 – Lewis Hamilton (2021)
- Most Wins: Max Verstappen (2: 2022, 2024), Lewis Hamilton (1: 2021), Sergio Perez (1: 2023)
- Most Poles: Sergio Perez (2: 2022-2023), Lewis Hamilton (1: 2021), Max Verstappen (1: 2024)
- Why It’s Special: High-speed corners, floodlit racing, and a stunning Red Sea backdrop.
Best spot to watch? The Turn 22 grandstand, where drivers tackle tight, high-speed corners with a gorgeous mosque in the background.
Predictions: Who’ll Conquer the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?
McLaren’s blistering pace in 2025 makes them the team to beat. Oscar Piastri, fresh off a commanding win in Bahrain, is the favorite to take the checkered flag, especially after winning two of the last three races. His teammate Lando Norris, leading the drivers’ championship, remains a strong contender despite admitting he’s “not clicking” with the car.
Red Bull, with three Jeddah wins, can’t be counted out. Max Verstappen’s 2024 victory here shows his mastery of the circuit, but team concerns are growing, with advisor Helmut Marko hinting at Verstappen’s potential exit. Mercedes’ George Russell is also in the mix, with consistent podiums signaling a resurgence. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, yet to podium this season, could surprise if the team finds pace on this smooth track.
Our Pick: Piastri to win, with Russell and Verstappen battling for the podium.
Championship Standings: A Tight Race
The drivers’ championship is heating up, with just three points separating McLaren’s Norris and Piastri. Verstappen is closing in, only eight points back despite Red Bull’s struggles. Here’s the top five:
| Driver | Team | Podiums | Wins | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lando Norris | McLaren | 4 | 1 | 77 |
| Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 3 | 2 | 74 |
| Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 2 | 1 | 69 |
| George Russell | Mercedes | 3 | 0 | 63 |
| Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 0 | 0 | 32 |
In the constructors’ race, McLaren leads with 151 points, a commanding 58 points ahead of Mercedes.
Latest News and Storylines
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix isn’t just about racing it’s a spectacle. Here’s what’s making headlines:
- Royal Ambition: Saudi Arabia’s Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal is eyeing ownership of an F1 team, signaling the nation’s growing influence in the sport.
- Norris’ Mindset: Sebastian Vettel praised Norris as a “real role model” for his honest self-criticism, but McLaren’s Andrea Stella says Norris is too hard on himself.
- Red Bull Drama: Helmut Marko’s comments about Verstappen’s potential departure have sparked speculation about the team’s future.
- Calendar Concerns: F1 boss Stefano Domenicali hinted that Imola might lose its spot, as Italy may not sustain two races on a packed 24-round schedule.
- Entertainment Extravaganza: Beyond the track, Jeddah will host world-class music performances, celebrating the race’s fifth anniversary.
What to Expect in Jeddah
With hot, dry conditions forecast—highs of 33°C and lows of 28°C tire management will be key on Jeddah’s smooth surface, where degradation is low. The pole-sitter has won every race this season, making Saturday’s qualifying crucial. McLaren’s straight-line speed suits the circuit, but Red Bull’s race pace and Mercedes’ recent form could shake things up.
Whether you’re a die-hard F1 fan or just tuning in, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is set to deliver high-octane action and plenty of drama. Who’s your pick to win? Let us know in the comments!
