The 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is back under the lights for its fifth edition, and expectations are building. Scheduled for April 18–20, the high-speed street layout of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit will once again test the balance between bravery and control.
Known for its flowing corners and close barriers, this track punishes even the smallest error while rewarding precision and momentum.
Practice, Qualifying & Race Times
At 6.174 km per lap, Jeddah is the second-longest circuit on the calendar, trailing only Spa-Francorchamps. Drivers will complete 50 laps, bringing the total race distance to 308.7 km. With 27 corners—including blind sweeps, flat-out kinks, and tight chicanes—the circuit’s design demands relentless focus and flawless execution, especially in night-time conditions.
The weekend format follows the traditional five-session schedule, with all times listed in South African Standard Time (SAST):
- Practice 1: Friday, April 18 – 12:30 to 13:30 (SAST)
- Practice 2: Friday, April 18 – 16:00 to 17:00 (SAST)
- Practice 3: Saturday, April 19 – 12:30 to 13:30 (SAST)
- Qualifying: Saturday, April 19 – 16:00 to 17:00 (SAST)
- Race: Sunday, April 20 – 19:00 (SAST)
Night racing adds another layer of complexity—not just visually but also in terms of tyre management and visibility during late-braking zones.
Tyre Compounds & Strategy Options
Pirelli is supplying the C1 (hard), C2 (medium), and C3 (soft) compounds for Jeddah, the most conservative combination in their range. With high-speed cornering and abrasive asphalt, teams will need to find a balance between grip and degradation. Expect longer first stints on mediums or hards and short, late dashes for softs, depending on race incidents and timing of safety cars.
Heat Could Influence Saudi Arabian GP Race Management
With temperatures expected to hover around 30°C all weekend, managing engine cooling and tyre surface temperatures will be key. The night-time setting may help reduce track temperature slightly, but it won’t remove the physical toll on drivers, particularly at a track that demands minimal margin for error.
McLaren Leading the Pack
Coming into Saudi Arabia, McLaren tops both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings. Oscar Piastri (1.14) has already picked up two race wins in the first four rounds, while Lando Norris (1.14) leads the Drivers’ Championship thanks to consistent podiums and well-timed overtakes. The team’s car has shown versatility across different circuits, and its low-drag package could give them another edge in Jeddah’s high-speed layout.
But it won’t be a cruise. George Russell (2.20) and Mercedes are gaining ground, while Ferrari’s improvements in race pace have been more noticeable in recent rounds. Red Bull, meanwhile, will be looking to rebound after a shaky start to the year, especially with Max Verstappen (2.10) having lost ground in the last Grand Prix in Bahrain.
What to Watch
The Saudi Arabia Grand Prix is more than just another night race. With championship leaders under pressure and several midfield teams closing the gap, the fifth round of the season could shake up both standings. Every sector, every strategy call, and every pit stop will matter. Jeddah has delivered drama before—and with a tight title race already brewing, it just might do so again.
