Formula 1`s fifth round takes us to Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the second race in the Middle East and the final event of this triple header. This circuit is known for being one of the fastest and youngest on the F1 calendar.

Jeddah Corniche Circuit has seen Red Bull dominate with three victories out of four races. However, the question remains whether McLaren, with Oscar Piastri, will continue their impressive performance, or if Ferrari and Mercedes can challenge for the win.

The weather forecast predicts hot, dry, and stable conditions in the desert throughout the weekend, with sunny skies, highs of 33°C, and lows of 28°C.

Latest News

  • Saudi Arabia`s Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal has expressed interest in owning a Formula 1 team and hosting a grand prix.

  • Sebastian Vettel, a four-time world champion, lauded Lando Norris as a `real role model`, highlighting his open self-criticism as a strength. However, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella believes Norris is being too harsh on himself regarding his driving, noting he is `not clicking` with the car.

  • There are growing concerns within Red Bull, according to advisor Helmut Marko, that Max Verstappen might leave the team at the end of the current season.

  • Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 boss, hinted that the Imola race, his home grand prix, could be dropped from the calendar. Italy is unlikely to maintain two grand prix events in an expanding 24-race schedule.

  • Get the latest race preview by listening to ESPN`s F1 podcast, Unlapped, featuring Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson, live from Jeddah.

Circuit Stats and History

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, located on the Red Sea coast, is a temporary street circuit designed by Hermann Tilke`s company, renowned for F1 track designs. It stands as one of the fastest circuits in Formula 1, second only to Monza, and features a staggering 27 corners.

Introduced to the F1 calendar in 2021, Jeddah is among the newest races, along with Miami and Las Vegas, all of which are street circuits. In line with its Middle Eastern counterparts, the race is held under floodlights in the evening.

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Facts

First Race: 2021

Laps: 50 laps, each 6.1km, totaling 308km

Lap Record: 1:30.734 – Lewis Hamilton (2021)

Most Wins: Max Verstappen with two (2022, 2024). Hamilton (2021) and Sergio Perez (2023) have each won once.

Most Poles: Sergio Perez with two (2022-2023). Hamilton (2021) and Verstappen (2024) have also started from pole.

Special Feature: The world`s fastest street circuit, characterized by high-speed flowing corners and close proximity to walls.

Driver`s Perspective (Verstappen): `It`s crazy fast, like a street circuit on steroids.`

Best Viewing Spot: Turn 22 Grandstand, offering views of high-speed action through the tightest section of the track, with a mosque as a backdrop.

2024 Race Recap

Red Bull dominated the early part of last season, with Max Verstappen securing an easy victory, followed by his teammate Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc in third place.

Verstappen briefly lost the lead to Lando Norris due to a safety car period triggered by Lance Stroll`s crash, but it was a minor setback for the Dutchman.

Race Predictions

McLaren is expected to maintain their position as the leading team, making Oscar Piastri the favorite to win again based on his current form. George Russell is also tipped to continue Mercedes` strong performance and potentially secure another podium finish.

Championship Standings

Norris commented after the Bahrain Grand Prix, `Everyone says I`m leading the championship, I don`t know how at the minute.` His lead is attributed to four podiums and one victory.

Verstappen is closely behind, trailing by only eight points despite having a car that is considered slower.

McLaren dominates the constructors` championship with 151 points, with Mercedes trailing 58 points behind in second place.

How to Watch

Watch live on ESPN and ESPN+ (U.S. only). Live broadcast coverage in the U.K. is available on 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.

All times are in BST (British Summer Time).

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 Start: 18:00 BST (pre-race build-up from 17:15 BST).