April 16, 2025, 04:33 AM ETRED BULL has won three games in Saudi Arabia, but McLaren appears to have the fastest car. Who can put it together this weekend? Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images
Round 5 can be one of the second race in the Middle East and one of the youngest and fastest circuits on the Formula 1 calendar.
Formula 1 heads to Jeddah this weekend for the final race of the first triple header, Saudi Arabia’s Grand Prix.
Red Bull won three of the four races at the Jeddah Cornish Circuit, but will McLaren and Oscar Piastri continue the theme of domination so far? Or can Ferrari and Mercedes put that together?
It’s not surprising to read that this weekend it is predicted to be hot, dry and calm in the desert.
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His Rand Norris issue with McLaren was the biggest storyline from Bahrain Granpurin, with only four races in the season. However, Norris has received praise from fans and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Gotty Images
Latest News
Saudi prince Khalid bin Sultan al-Abdullah al-Faisal is interested in owning a F1 team in addition to the Grand Prix.
Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel praised Norris as a “real role model,” saying the open self-criticism of Formula 1 leaders is a strength, not a weakness. But McLaren boss Andrea Stella said Norris was “unfair to herself” when he criticized driving and added that he “don’t click” in the car.
Red Bull Advisor Helmut Marko said concerns are growing within Red Bull that Verstappen will leave the team at the end of the year.
Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali shows that his home race Imola is unlikely to hold two grand prixes on a 24-round inflated schedule with many candidates.
Listen to race previews and the latest episodes of ESPN’s F1 podcast with Nate Sanders and Lawrence Edmondson of Jeddah.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit has been featured on the Formula One Calendar since 2021, with Lewis Hamilton beating Mercedes in his first Grand Prix. Clive Mason/Getty Images
Circuit statistics and history
On the coast of the Red Sea, the Jeddah Cornish Circuit is a temporary street circuit designed by the company of legendary Formula 1 truck designer Hermantirke. This is one of the fastest in the calendar, second only to Monza’s “Temple of Speed” and has 27 corners.
Joining the Formula 1 calendar in 2021 is one of the newest races and streets, along with Miami and Las Vegas. And like its counterparts in the Middle East, the race is held in the evening under floodlights
First race: 2021
Lap: 50 Lap, 6.1km. Total distance: 308km
Lap Record: 1:30.734 – Lewis Hamilton (2021)
Most Winners: Two Verstappen (2022, 2024). Hamilton (2021) and Sergio Perez (2023) also won here.
Most Poles: Perez has the most poles in two (2022-2023). Hamilton (2021) and Verstappen (2024) also won from poles here.
What makes it special: the fastest street circuit in the world with high-speed flowing corners and nearby walls.
What the driver says about it: “Like a street circuit on steroids, it’s fast and crazy.” – Verstappen
Where to watch: 22 Turn the Grandstand. Fast commitment is necessary through the toughest parts of the truck, and a beautiful mosque provides the backdrop.
Red Bull celebrated a one-two led by Max Verstappen in 2024. Clive Rose/Getty Images
What happened last year?
The start of last season was dominated by Red Bull, with Verstappen being eased to victory, followed by teammates and winners of the previous race with third place in Jeddah, Perez and Charles Leclair.
Verstappen temporarily lost the lead to Norris under the early safety car after Lance went for a walk, but that was a minor inconvenience for the Dutch.
Who will win?
McLaren remains a benchmark team, and given his current form it’s difficult for Piastri to win again. George Russell continues Mercedes’ strong recent ride on another trip to the podium.
Oscar Piastri is just three points behind his championship teammates, winning two wins against one of Rand Norris. Getty Imagedriverpwpts1 via Fadel Senna/AFP – Lando Norris (Mclaren) 41772 – Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 32743 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 21694 – George Russell (Mercedes) 30635 – Charles Leclerc (Ferlari)
What does the championship look like?
“Everyone says I’m leading the championship, I don’t know what will happen in that moment,” Norris said after Bahrain Granpurin. His tally of four podiums and one race victory is just a way, but not just.
However, Verstappen is catching up, only 8 points behind the car.
McLaren went ahead in the Constructors Championship with 151 points, with Mercedes in second place, 58 points behind.
Follow the live commentary of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix online and build up on Easter Sunday at 17:15 BST. Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Gotty Images
How to watch GP
See ESPN and ESPN+ (US only) – See the schedule.
Live broadcast coverage in the UK can be found on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
Follow the coverage for news, analysis and updates ESPN’s F1 Team Jeddah and Nate Sanders and Lawrence Edmondson of social media.
Below is BST (Summer Time in the UK).
Friday
Free practice 1:14:30-15:30 bst
Free practice 2: 18:00-19:00 BST
Saturday
Free Practice 3:14:30-15:30 BST
Qualifying: 18:00-19:00 BST
Sunday
Race starts: 18:00 BST (build-up from 17:15 BST).
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