2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Your Essential Guide to Race Weekend
Formula 1 moves from Bahrain to Jeddah for the highly anticipated 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, marking the conclusion of a thrilling triple-header sequence. This all-in-one guide offers key statistics, driving insights, and strategic tips as teams prepare for the weekend’s events.
Race Weekend Schedule
Free Practice 1 and 2: Friday, April 18
Free Practice 3 and Qualifying: Saturday, April 19
Grand Prix: Sunday, April 20
Vital Statistics
First Grand Prix: 2021
Track Length: 6.174 km
Lap Record: 1m 30.734s (Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 2021) Most Pole Positions: Sergio Perez (2)
Most Wins: Max Verstappen (2)
Trivia: Jeddah has more corners than any other circuit on the F1 calendar (27)
Pole Run to Turn 1 Braking Point: 168 meters
Overtakes Completed in 2024: 52
Safety Car Probability: 100%
Virtual Safety Car Probability: 50%
Pit Stop Time Loss: 19.2 seconds (including 2.5 seconds stationary)
Previous Winners and Polesitters
2024 Winner: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2023 Winner: Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
2022 Winner: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2021 Winner: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
Tyre and Strategy Insights
Pirelli has brought a tyre range one step softer than last year’s event, consisting of:
C3: Hard Compound
C4: Medium Compound
C5: Soft Compound
The aim is to create more strategic choices and unpredictable racing. Historically, a one-stop strategy has been favored, even with Safety Car interruptions. In 2024, only Valtteri Bottas opted for a two-stop strategy, while most drivers utilized a one-stop plan.
Current Form: Who to Watch
Oscar Piastri comes into Jeddah riding high after converting pole position into his second victory of the season in Bahrain, moving him into second place in the Drivers’ Championship and closing the gap to leader Lando Norris to just three points. Norris, having faced a challenging race in Sakhir, will be eager to reclaim his form this weekend.
Mercedes holds second place in the Teams’ Championship but trails McLaren by 58 points. George Russell’s podium finish in Bahrain showcased the team’s potential, though they still face challenges. Max Verstappen, who finished sixth last time out, will aim for a strong rebound, while Ferrari seeks to improve after a mixed outing in Bahrain.
Midfield Battle Heating Up
The midfield remains competitive, with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly recently scoring points and Haas achieving an unexpected double points finish. This unpredictability adds extra excitement as teams jockey for position.
Iconic Moments from Jeddah
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit made its debut in 2021 during a heated championship battle between Verstappen and Hamilton. The race was marked by intense drama, including a collision that resulted in a 10-second penalty for Verstappen after he was involved in an incident with Hamilton. This history adds to the anticipation for this year’s race, as fans look forward to more thrilling moments.
