The Jeddah Circuit in Saudi Arabia hosted another commanding performance by McLaren during the third practice session of the 2025 Formula 1 Grand Prix on Saturday. British driver Lando Norris set the fastest lap at 1m27s489, reinforcing McLaren’s dominance on the Saudi track. The team, which also led Friday’s second practice, secured a one-two finish with Oscar Piastri just 0s024 behind. George Russell of Mercedes took third, while Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Sauber, recorded the 19th fastest time after returning from Friday’s absence. The session, a prelude to the qualifying set for 2 p.m. Brasília time, showcased intense competition and provided insights into the teams’ race preparations.
McLaren, leveraging aerodynamic upgrades for 2025, displayed remarkable consistency throughout the session. Norris and Piastri traded the top spot, posting lap times that left Russell’s Mercedes 0s627 behind the leader. The Jeddah track, renowned for its long straights and high-speed corners, suited McLaren’s car setup, with the team holding a gap of up to 0s7 over rivals at certain points. The session also marked Bortoleto’s return after missing Friday’s second practice due to Sauber’s car adjustments.
Bortoleto, the sole Brazilian on the 2025 F1 grid, started the session on medium tires, a unique choice compared to the soft compounds favored by most drivers. He completed 16 laps before spending significant time in the garage. In the final minutes, switching to soft tires, he posted a 1m29s410, trailing Norris by 1s921. While his 19th place reflects a challenging start, the session was a crucial step for the rookie adapting to Jeddah’s demanding layout.
????| The order from the Final Practice session in Saudi Arabia:
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) April 19, 2025
Norris leads, Piastri closely trailing and Russell the fastest among the non-McLaren cars!#F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/2YJ5tuijSJ
High-paced action on Saudi asphalt
The practice kicked off with Oliver Bearman of Haas setting the initial benchmark on soft tires. As drivers logged their early laps, Max Verstappen of Red Bull briefly led, followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. McLaren soon took control with Piastri, who extended his advantage over Norris midway through the session. The battle for the fastest lap intensified in the closing minutes, with Norris, Piastri, and Russell—all on fresh soft tires—engaging in a tight contest.
Jeddah’s 6.174 km circuit, with 27 corners, demands precision and speed. Teams used the session to fine-tune setups and assess tire wear, particularly for the soft compound, expected to dominate qualifying. McLaren stood out for its consistency, while Mercedes showed promise with Russell, though Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, struggled to 12th. Verstappen, the three-time world champion, finished fourth, 0s845 off Norris, suggesting Red Bull is still chasing optimal pace.
Key highlights from third practice
- McLaren’s dominance: Norris and Piastri led with a mere 0s024 gap, underlining the team’s strength.
- Bortoleto’s return: The Brazilian rejoined after missing Friday’s session, posting the 19th time.
- Mercedes in contention: Russell secured third, but Hamilton lagged in 12th.
- Red Bull trailing: Verstappen took fourth, with Leclerc of Ferrari in fifth.
- Rookies shine: Alongside Bortoleto, Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) and Isack Hadjar (RB) cracked the top 10.
Challenges of the Jeddah Circuit
Inaugurated in 2021, the Jeddah Circuit is among the fastest on the F1 calendar, with top speeds exceeding 320 km/h. Its high-speed corners, like the sequence from turns 22 to 27, test drivers’ skill and car balance. Saturday’s session showed McLaren’s near-perfect setup, while teams like Sauber and Aston Martin—with Fernando Alonso in 14th and Lance Stroll in 20th—struggled to keep up.
Bortoleto, in his debut F1 season, faces a steep learning curve in Jeddah. The track’s close barriers and narrow margins for error make it a formidable challenge, especially for a rookie. The Brazilian, a former Formula 3 champion with Formula 2 experience, used the session to gain mileage and familiarize himself with Sauber’s car, which is still seeking upgrades to compete in the midfield.
Sauber, partnered with Audi for the future, introduced updates for the Saudi GP, but Bortoleto’s 19th place and Nico Hulkenberg’s 17th suggest the team remains distant from the front-runners. The session also highlighted other rookies, with Antonelli in 10th for Mercedes and Hadjar in 11th for RB, signaling a generational shift in the 2025 grid.
Teams’ preparations for qualifying
In the session’s final stretch, teams focused on qualifying simulations. Norris clinched the top time, capitalizing on fresh soft tires to edge out Piastri by a fraction. Mercedes, briefly in the lead with Russell, faded late, while Ferrari, with Leclerc in fifth and Carlos Sainz in seventh, showed solid pace but couldn’t challenge McLaren.
Red Bull, dominant in 2024, appeared less commanding in Jeddah. Verstappen, known for maximizing his car’s potential, trailed by over 0s8, while teammate Yuki Tsunoda finished ninth. Alpine, with Pierre Gasly in eighth and Jack Doohan in 15th, impressed in the midfield, while Williams, with Alexander Albon in sixth and Sainz in seventh, solidified its competitive standing.
Saudi Arabia GP schedule
- Qualifying: Saturday, April 19, at 2 p.m. (Brasília time).
- Race: Sunday, April 20, at 2 p.m. (Brasília time).
- Broadcast: Band airs qualifying and the race live, with real-time coverage on ge.
- Track: Jeddah Circuit, 6.174 km, 27 corners, 50 laps in the race.
Qualifying expectations
The qualifying session, set for 2 p.m. Saturday, will be pivotal for the Saudi Arabia GP. McLaren enters as the favorite after dominating practice, but Mercedes and Red Bull could close the gap. Norris, chasing his first pole of 2025, faces stiff competition from Piastri, Russell, and Verstappen. Leclerc, who won in Jeddah in 2024, remains a contender, bolstered by Ferrari’s strong practice pace.
For Bortoleto, qualifying offers a chance to show progress. The Brazilian, under pressure on a demanding track, needs a clean lap to reach Q2 and build confidence. Sauber, aiming to climb from the back, relies on his talent to gain experience and improve throughout the season.
Midfield battle intensifies
The midfield saw fierce competition in the third practice. Williams, with Albon and Sainz, confirmed its form, outpacing Alpine and RB. Gasly’s eighth place led Alpine’s charge, while rookie Doohan took 15th. RB, with Tsunoda and Hadjar, showed speed but couldn’t break into the top five.
Haas, with Bearman in 16th and Esteban Ocon in 18th, had a quiet session, while Aston Martin, with Alonso and Stroll, struggled for pace. The British team, which invested heavily in 2024, lagged behind in 2025, with Alonso 1s399 off Norris and Stroll at the bottom.
Standout numbers from practice
- Fastest lap: 1m27s489 by Lando Norris (McLaren).
- Tightest margin: 0s024 between Norris and Piastri.
- Largest gap: 1s989 between Norris and Stroll, the last-placed driver.
- Bortoleto’s laps: 16, using medium and soft tires.
- Dominant tire: Soft, used for most fast laps.
What to expect from the Jeddah race
The Saudi Arabia GP, the second round of the 2025 championship, promises thrills on a track blending speed and danger. McLaren, with Norris and Piastri, carries momentum from practice, but Red Bull, led by Verstappen, is likely to fight back in qualifying and the race. Ferrari, victorious in Jeddah last year, is a podium contender, while Mercedes aims for consistency with Russell and Hamilton.
Bortoleto, despite his 19th-place finish in practice, gained valuable experience and could surprise in qualifying with a strong lap. The Brazilian, representing F1’s new wave, has the support of fans and an opportunity to shine on one of the calendar’s toughest tracks. The race, set for Sunday at 2 p.m., will test strategy, speed, and endurance across the grid.
