Formula 1 Returns to Jeddah: 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Roars into Action

The 2025 Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix officially began this weekend at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, marking the fifth round of the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The event continues to showcase Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in international motorsport and its alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to promote global sporting events and economic diversification.

Saudi GP Returns to Spring Calendar with Enhanced Atmosphere

This year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was held in April, providing a more comfortable spring climate and aligning with the global Formula 1 schedule. The timing helped create an ideal environment for racing and boosted turnout, with a stronger presence from local fans and international visitors alike.

STC (Saudi Telecom Company) remains the event’s title sponsor, while the race circuit’s 6.174 km layout—illuminated by over 2,500 meters of LED lights—delivered the expected visual spectacle for spectators in Jeddah and viewers around the world.

Circuit Enhancements Highlight Commitment to Safety

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, designed by German engineer Hermann Tilke, is among the fastest on the Formula 1 calendar. With 27 technical corners and average speeds exceeding 250 km/h, the street circuit is both demanding and rewarding for drivers.

In 2025, race organizers implemented safety upgrades including widened run-off zones and reinforced barriers at high-risk sections such as Turn 22 and the fast chicanes between Turns 4 and 13. These improvements followed consultations with teams and officials to enhance visibility and reduce impact risk.

Verstappen Claims Pole; McLaren Maintains Strong Form

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen secured pole position with a time of 1:27.294 during the April 19 qualifying session. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri followed closely at 1:27.304, with Mercedes’ George Russell in third.

Championship leader Lando Norris suffered a crash in Q3 and was unable to set a final time. Despite the setback, he will start Sunday’s race from 10th on the grid.

Top 10 Qualifiers:

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – 1:27.294
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1:27.304
3. George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:27.407
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:27.670
5. Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:27.866
6. Carlos Sainz Jr. (Williams) – 1:28.164
7. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 1:28.201
8. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull Racing) – 1:28.204
9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 1:28.367
10. Lando Norris (McLaren) – No time (Q3 crash)

Grand Prix Expected to Draw 150,000+ Fans

With a forecast of clear skies and 28°C at race start time (8:00 PM UTC+3), teams are preparing for a two-stop strategy using C2 (medium) and C1 (hard) tires. DRS zones at Turn 1 and the main straight are expected to create high-speed overtaking opportunities.

Saudi Arabia continues to build its motorsport presence through the Formula 1 calendar. Over 150,000 spectators are anticipated across race weekend activities, including concerts, public exhibitions, and family-friendly fan zones.

The Grand Prix is projected to contribute more than $700 million to the national economy, driven by tourism, media rights, and hospitality.

Drivers’ Championship Standings Before the Race

McLaren leads the Constructors' Championship heading into Jeddah, with Red Bull and Mercedes closely behind.