Formula One preview: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
- Rohan Brown
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Written by Rohan Brown, Edited by Meghana Sree
Formula One returns to Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Corniche Circuit for the fourth time since the Grand Prix’s inception in 2021.
This season has been thrilling so far with fiercely competitive drives all across the grid, which means that this year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will be another unmissable event for fans.
The Circuit
Storylines
Can Lando Norris extend his Drivers’ Championship lead in Jeddah?
Norris has enjoyed a strong start to this season so far, however the British driver has a narrow three-point lead to McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix could prove to be the opportunity for Norris to extend his lead in the Drivers’ Championship. So, can Norris extend his lead?
Will Yuki Tsunoda build on his performance from the last round at Bahrain?
Tsunoda achieved his first points finish with Red Bull in Bahrain, marking a milestone in his switch to the Milton Keynes-based outfit. With the Japanese driver bringing this momentum into the weekend in Jeddah, a performance that builds on this would add to it - whilst adding to his case of being the best competitor against teammate Verstappen.
Can McLaren extend their Constructors’ Championship lead in Jeddah?
McLaren have been the dominant force out the gate so far this season, with them having at least one driver on the podium each Grand Prix so far. With the momentum the Woking-based team have generated so far, it could be the key to continuing this dominance into the next round of F1’s 75th season, and to breaking Red Bull’s previous dominant form in Jeddah.
Is Max Verstappen going to improve on his Grand Prix performance?
Last week’s Bahrain Grand Prix saw something that hasn’t happened for a while: Max Verstappen finishing a race in the lower ranks of the top ten. This is something evidently indicative of Red Bull’s car issues, which they have been reportedly struggling with since Barcelona in 2023. Although Red Bull’s car has been in a state of decline for a while, Verstappen has time and time again proven he can extract the most out of the RB21. Will Verstappen be able to get back to his usual form this weekend or will his car hinder him again?
Can Haas build on their impressive beginning to the season so far?
The American-based team are enjoying their best start to a season since their debut in 2016, currently holding fifth place in the Constructors’ on 20 points. They have scored almost as many points in the opening rounds of this season than their whole 2019 season. If they maintain this strong form, Haas could have their most successful F1 season ever in their ninth year.
Winner Picks
Lando Norris - One half of the natural picks for a race victory this weekend. The British driver has already shown that he can control races from beginning to end, and extract the most from his McLaren car — being a leading figure in the Woking-based team’s dominant form so far this season.
Oscar Piastri - Whilst teammate Norris possesses the Drivers’ Championship lead, fellow McLaren driver has proven in his own right how he can be a potent driver as well. The only multiple-race winner so far, Piastri is a strong candidate for victory this Sunday; a fast car combined with his raw skill means he cannot be overlooked in any sense.
George Russell - An out-of-the-box pick, but not an unrealistic one, considering the Mercedes driver’s consistency so far. George Russell’s second place finish last round in Bahrain proves how the Mercedes team can be the dark horses in the right conditions. Therefore, Russell himself could be a potential victor on Sunday if Mercedes can capitalise on any potential incidents that occur during the race.
Notes
The Grand Prix begins at 18:00 BST (UTC), and is 50 laps long.
Session start times (in UTC / BST)
Practice One: 14:30-15:30 pm
Practice Rwo: 18:00-19:00 pm
Practice Three: 14:30-15:30 pm
Qualifying: 18:00-19:00 pm
Race: 18:00 pm
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