The Saudi Arabian GP weekend is here. Will McLaren extend their run of form, or is this where Ferrari or Mercedes mount a comeback? Can Max Verstappen flip the switch and get his title bid properly underway?
F1 Heads to the Tight Streets of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit for the Saudi Arabian GP
The sun sets, the lights come on, and the walls get closer – it’s time for the Saudi Arabian GP. Round five of the 2025 Formula 1 season brings us to the lightning-quick streets of Jeddah, where mistakes are punished and margins are razor-thin.
With four races already in the books, the championship is starting to take shape. However, there are still more questions than answers up and down the grid.
Circuit Breakdown
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit remains one of the most intense challenges on the calendar.
A 6.175 km blur of 27 corners – most of them fast, some flat-out – it demands full commitment. Speeds average just under Monza levels, and the walls are unforgiving.
It’s a night race, and it’s one that can produce chaos, surprises, and, occasionally, brilliance.
Championship Picture: No Clear Dominator
McLaren have made the biggest leap of any team since 2023, and the orange cars are right in the thick of it.
Lando Norris leads the championship heading into Jeddah, but Oscar Piastri is hot on his heels after a sublime Bahrain win.
They’ve looked sharp, composed, and fast – but their advantage is slim.
Red Bull, meanwhile, are licking their wounds. Max Verstappen’s season hasn’t started the way many expected, and while a win still feels inevitable at some point, the RB21 hasn’t been the untouchable force of years past.
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Who’s Hot, Who’s Hunting?
For the Saudi Arabian GP weekend, teams are bringing targeted upgrades to adapt to the unique demands of this street circuit.
Facing internal challenges and a disappointing sixth-place finish for Verstappen in Bahrain, Red Bull have introduced aerodynamic refinements, including modifications to the rear wing and beam wing, to reduce drag and enhance performance on Jeddah’s fast straights.
Ferrari have brought minor aerodynamic updates, also making modifications to the rear and beam wings.
Mercedes who have started the season strong have implemented a performance-focused upgrade focused on the rear of the car to improve stability and handling.
Building on a strong start to the season, McLaren have introduced small updates aimed at reducing drag, including a new rear wing assembly and reconfigured beam wing, to maintain their competitive edge on the high-speed Jeddah track.
Anticipating the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
As the lights get ready to go out in Jeddah, there’s plenty to keep an eye on heading into Round 5 of the 2025 season.
Oliver Bearman returns to the scene of his explosive Ferrari debut last year, now in Haas colours and looking to recapture that same spark.
Jack Doohan and Gabriel Bortoleto are still chasing their first standout moments of the year, with both hoping for their first points finish under the lights.
At Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton is beginning to gel with the SF-25 and showed strong pace in Bahrain. Charles Leclerc remains a steady force, and just like his teammate, will be aiming to put Ferrari on the podium for the first time this year.
Speaking of Mercedes, George Russell continues to deliver solid results and leads the team’s charge with confidence. Andrea Kimi Antonelli is still settling in, and conntinuosly proving to be a good investment for the Silver Arrows.
Yuki Tsunoda is adjusting to life at Red Bull and looking to assert himself after a rough outing in Bahrain. With a car that’s still got some pace despite struggles, the pressure is on to deliver – especially with so much uncertainty swirling around Red Bull’s long-term direction.
Plenty of storylines. Plenty of pressure. And with the stakes climbing every weekend, the Saudi Arabian GP could be the race that shifts momentum across the grid.
Saudi Arabian GP Weekend Schedule (BST)
Friday, April 18
- FP1: 16:30pm – 17:30pm
- FP2: 20:00pm – 21:00pm
Saturday, April 19
- FP3: 16:30pm – 17:30pm
- Qualifying: 20:00pm – 21:00pm
Sunday, April 20
- Race: 20:00pm
READ NEXT: Mercedes in Jeddah: W16 Ready To Confirm Progress
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / HochZwei
Recording Date: 17.04.2025
