The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, set for Sunday, April 20, 2025, promises high-octane action at the Jeddah-Corniche Circuit. Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion and Red Bull Racing (RBR) driver, secured pole position on Saturday, cementing his status as the race favorite. Joining him on the front row is McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who delivered an impressive performance in qualifying. Meanwhile, Lando Norris, Piastri’s teammate, faced setbacks in Q3 after a crash that dashed his hopes of challenging for pole. The race kicks off at 2:00 PM Brasília time (6:00 PM local time), marking the second round of the 2025 Formula 1 season, which features a 24-race calendar. Known for its 27 high-speed corners, the Jeddah circuit will test drivers’ skills on a street track that demands precision and bravery.
Since its debut in 2021, the Saudi Arabian GP has established itself as one of Formula 1’s most demanding races. Located in the coastal Corniche area of Jeddah, the 6.174-km track is renowned for its long-radius corners and straights that encourage overtaking. In 2024, Verstappen dominated the race, crossing the finish line nearly 14 seconds ahead of his then-teammate Sergio Pérez. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc secured his first podium of the season, finishing third. For 2025, anticipation is high, with new drivers and team changes—such as Lewis Hamilton racing for Ferrari and Gabriel Bortoleto debuting with Sauber—adding intrigue to the competition.
The 2025 Formula 1 season has ushered in a refreshed grid. Alongside major driver moves, like Hamilton to Ferrari and Andrea Kimi Antonelli to Mercedes, the sport continues to captivate millions globally. The Saudi Arabian GP, now in its fifth edition, is a highlight of the season, which also includes the São Paulo GP in November. The race will be broadcast live on Band TV (open television) and Bandsports (cable), with ge.globo providing real-time coverage, capturing every moment of the Jeddah weekend.
Jeddah-Corniche circuit: a technical and strategic challenge
The Jeddah-Corniche Circuit is one of Formula 1’s most distinctive tracks. Designed by German architect Hermann Tilke, it blends the characteristics of a street circuit with the flow of a permanent track. Its 27 corners—a record in the F1 calendar—demand pinpoint accuracy, particularly in the high-speed sequences from turns 1 to 13. The main straight, over 700 meters long, is a prime overtaking zone, especially with DRS. The proximity of barriers, typical of urban circuits, heightens the risk of mistakes, as seen in Norris’s Q3 crash during the 2025 qualifying.
The Saudi circuit is also famous for its artificial lighting, as the race takes place at night under floodlights, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Since its debut, the track has undergone safety improvements, including expanded run-off areas at critical corners. The inaugural 2021 race was chaotic, marked by a controversial collision between Hamilton and Verstappen. Subsequent editions have earned praise for their competitiveness but also scrutiny for the physical and mental toll on drivers.
MAX VERSTAPPEN IS ON POLE!! ????????
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 19, 2025
What an incredible lap from the Red Bull driver! ????#F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/NbaPkd2vCb
Driver and team performance in 2025
The 2025 Formula 1 season introduced significant changes to the grid, with fresh talent and blockbuster transfers. Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time champion, remains the benchmark at RBR, now partnered with Yuki Tsunoda, who replaced Pérez. McLaren, with Norris and Piastri, aims for consistency to challenge the top teams, while Ferrari, powered by Leclerc and Hamilton, seeks to reclaim the constructors’ title, last won in 2008. Mercedes, revitalized with Antonelli and George Russell, strives to regain its former dominance.
Among the rookies, Gabriel Bortoleto, the first Brazilian on the grid since Felipe Massa, faces early challenges. The Sauber driver spun during qualifying, relegating him to the back of the grid. Despite this, Bortoleto, a 2023 Formula 3 champion, is regarded as a rising star. Other newcomers, like Oliver Bearman (Haas) and Jack Doohan (Alpine), are also working to establish themselves. Williams, with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, and Aston Martin, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, round out a diverse and competitive field.
- Key grid highlights for 2025:
- Max Verstappen (RBR): Four-time champion and Jeddah pole-sitter.
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari): Seven-time world champion aiming for his first win with Ferrari.
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber): Brazilian rookie facing a steep learning curve.
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren): Second on the grid, emerging as a standout talent.
History of the Saudi Arabian GP
The Saudi Arabian GP debuted in 2021, with Lewis Hamilton winning a dramatic race marred by red flags and controversies. In 2022, Max Verstappen triumphed, edging out Charles Leclerc in a thrilling duel. Sergio Pérez shone in 2023, claiming his first Jeddah victory, while Verstappen dominated in 2024, reinforcing his supremacy. The Saudi track is known for unpredictable races, with incidents and tire strategies often shaping the outcome.
The 2025 edition marks the fifth running of the GP. Verstappen leads the win tally with two victories, followed by Hamilton and Pérez with one each. Ferrari, with Leclerc and Hamilton, aims for its first Jeddah win, while McLaren, buoyed by Piastri and Norris, looks to upset the favorites. The race also underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role in Formula 1, with contracts securing its place on the calendar through 2030.
What to expect from the 2025 race
Sunday’s race has all the makings of a season-defining event. Verstappen, starting from pole, is the clear favorite, but Piastri’s front-row position signals McLaren’s potential to challenge. Leclerc and Hamilton, starting from the second and third rows, respectively, have the pace to fight for the podium, while Norris, despite his qualifying mishap, is known for strong recoveries. Tire strategy will be pivotal, with medium and hard compounds expected to dominate due to the track’s high wear.
Jeddah’s nighttime conditions, with mild temperatures, optimize car performance, though wind can affect aerodynamics. Traffic management, particularly in the opening laps, will be critical, as the narrow layout limits overtaking in some sections. For Bortoleto, starting last, the race offers a chance to gain experience on one of the calendar’s toughest tracks. The Brazilian, who has shown promise in junior categories, will aim to avoid further setbacks.
- Factors that could shape the race:
- Tire strategy: Medium and hard compounds will be key to managing wear.
- Opening lap: Early corners are prone to incidents.
- DRS: The main straight offers prime overtaking opportunities.
- Track conditions: Lighting and wind may influence performance.
Weekend schedule
The 2025 Saudi Arabian GP condensed its main activities into Saturday and Sunday, with free practice and qualifying held on April 19. The race, the weekend’s centerpiece, is set for Sunday, April 20, with live broadcasts and real-time coverage. Below is the detailed schedule:
- Saturday, April 19:
- Free Practice 3: 10:00 AM (Brasília time).
- Qualifying: 2:00 PM.
- Sunday, April 20:
- Race: 2:00 PM.
The race will be broadcast live on Band TV, covering the race and qualifying on open television. Bandsports will air free practice, qualifying, and the race on cable, while ge.globo provides real-time updates, including overtakes, pit stops, and incidents. Multi-platform coverage ensures fans miss no part of the Jeddah action.
Impact of the GP on the season
The Saudi Arabian GP is the second race of a grueling 24-race calendar in 2025. Following the season opener in Bahrain, the Jeddah event serves as a gauge of team performance. RBR, led by Verstappen, aims to maintain its dominance, while Ferrari and McLaren look to close the gap in the constructors’ championship. Mercedes, with its new lineup, needs consistency to return to the forefront, while Williams and Aston Martin vie for crucial points.
The presence of rookies like Bortoleto, Bearman, and Doohan adds unpredictability to the season. Formula 1, a multi-billion-dollar industry, continues to attract sponsors and host nations like Saudi Arabia, which leverages the GP to boost tourism and modernization. The Jeddah circuit, with its state-of-the-art facilities, reflects this ambition, providing a perfect stage for the sport.
It's RACE DAY! ????
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 20, 2025
The scene is set for Sunday in Saudi Arabia ???? #F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/t3McxCSDnw
Fun facts about the Saudi Arabian GP
The Saudi Arabian GP is more than a race—it’s a fusion of sport, culture, and technology. The Jeddah track, built in record time for its 2021 debut, is one of Formula 1’s most ambitious projects. Its waterfront location along the Red Sea creates a breathtaking backdrop, especially under nighttime floodlights. The event also draws celebrities and dignitaries, cementing its status as one of the calendar’s most glamorous races.
- Fun facts about the race:
- Corner record: Jeddah’s 27 corners make it the track with the most in F1.
- Average speed: Cars reach about 250 km/h on average.
- Rapid construction: The circuit was completed in under a year.
- Economic impact: The GP generates millions for the local economy.
The future of the GP and Formula 1
Formula 1 is experiencing global expansion, with new markets and circuits joining the calendar. The Saudi Arabian GP, secured through 2030, is part of this strategy, balancing tradition with innovation. The sport also faces challenges, such as sustainability, with goals to cut emissions by 2030. In Jeddah, organizers have invested in green initiatives, like renewable energy for events.
For Brazilian fans, 2025 is special due to Bortoleto’s presence, carrying the hopes of a new generation. Formula 1, with its blend of technology, speed, and drama, remains one of the world’s most popular sports, and the Saudi Arabian GP is a vital chapter. Sunday’s race, with Verstappen on pole and a talent-packed grid, promises an unforgettable spectacle.
