Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Who Will Conquer the Jeddah Corniche Circuit?

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The 2025 Formula 1 season continues this weekend with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the fifth round of the championship. Scheduled for Sunday at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, drivers will compete in 50 laps on one of the fastest street circuits in the world, making the event a crucial battleground for championship points.

Last year’s winner, Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing, seeks to defend his title at this high-speed circuit, which boasts 27 corners. However, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris from McLaren, both of whom are in strong championship contention, aim to secure their positions after a dominant performance in the previous race.

The race weekend kicks off with practice sessions on Friday, followed by qualifying on Saturday. Practice 1 starts at 9:25 a.m. ET, and the race begins on Sunday at 12:55 p.m. ET, all broadcast live on ESPN2.

Verstappen currently trails Norris in the driver standings by eight points after a disappointing sixth-place finish in Bahrain, while Piastri’s impressive win last week places him just three points behind Norris. According to Piastri, who expressed confidence after the Bahrain Grand Prix: “The competition doesn’t seem far away, so we need to iron out a couple of things to put us in the best place for qualifying.”

The track layout, designed by Hermann Tilke, requires precision driving, with its tight corners and proximity to walls punishing any mistakes. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is unique as it’s a night race, presenting both a visual spectacle and challenging conditions for the drivers.

Forecasts predict hot, dry conditions for the event, with temperatures reaching as high as 33°C (91°F). Verstappen acknowledged the difficulties presented by the track, stating, “It’s crazy fast, like a street circuit on steroids.”

The constructors’ championship sees McLaren leading with 151 points, significantly ahead of Mercedes who stands at 93 points. McLaren’s dominance early in the season raises questions about whether they can maintain their success. Mercedes driver George Russell noted, “McLaren looked like they were clear in front, but I’m hopeful we can be in the fight for best of the rest.”

As all teams prepare for this pivotal race, fans are eager to see if McLaren can continue its winning streak or if Red Bull can recover and take control. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is set to be a decisive moment in the 2025 season, with driver and team dynamics playing a significant role.