The fifth round of the Formula 1 season is here, marking the second race in the Middle East and taking place at one of the newest and fastest circuits on the calendar.

Formula 1 is heading to Jeddah this weekend for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the final race of this triple header.

Red Bull has secured victory in three of the four races held at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. However, the question remains: will McLaren and Oscar Piastri continue their dominant performance, or can Ferrari and Mercedes step up to challenge?

The weather forecast for the weekend in the desert predicts hot, dry, and stable conditions with plenty of sunshine, highs of 33°C, and lows of 28°C.

Latest News

  • Saudi Arabia`s Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal is interested in owning a Formula 1 team, in addition to hosting a grand prix.

  • Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel described Norris as a `real role model,` highlighting that the Formula 1 leader`s open self-criticism is a strength rather than a weakness. However, McLaren boss Andrea Stella felt Norris was `unfair to himself` when criticizing his driving, suggesting he`s `not fully comfortable` with the car.

  • Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has expressed growing concerns within Red Bull about Verstappen potentially leaving the team at the end of the season.

  • Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali has hinted that his home race at Imola could be removed from the calendar, as Italy is unlikely to maintain two grands prix on an increasingly packed 24-round schedule with numerous interested locations.

  • Listen to the race preview and the latest episode of ESPN`s F1 podcast Unlapped with Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson from Jeddah.

Circuit Stats and History

Located on the Red Sea coast, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is a temporary street circuit designed by Hermann Tilke`s company, a renowned F1 track designer. It is among the fastest circuits on the calendar, second only to Monza, and features a massive 27 corners.

Added to the F1 calendar in 2021, it is one of the newest races, along with Miami and Las Vegas, which are also street circuits. Like its Middle Eastern counterparts, the race is held at night under floodlights.

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

First race: 2021

Laps: 50 laps of 6.1km. Total distance 308km

Lap record: 1:30.734 – Lewis Hamilton (2021)

Most wins: Verstappen with two (2022, 2024). Hamilton (2021) and Sergio Perez (2023) have also won here.

Most poles: Perez has the most poles with two (2022-2023). Hamilton (2021) and Verstappen (2024) have also started from pole here.

What makes it special: The world`s fastest street circuit, featuring high-speed corners and close barriers.

What the drivers say about it: `It`s crazy fast, like a street circuit on steroids.` — Verstappen

Where to watch from: Turn 22 grandstand. This spot offers views of the high-speed action through the tightest section of the track, with a beautiful mosque in the background.

What Happened Last Year?

Red Bull dominated the start of last season, with Verstappen securing an easy victory, followed by his teammate Perez, who had previously won in Jeddah, and Charles Leclerc in third place.

Verstappen briefly lost his lead to Norris due to a safety car deployed after Lance Stroll`s crash, but it was only a minor inconvenience for the Dutch driver.

Who Will Win?

McLaren is expected to remain the leading team, and given his current form, Piastri is a strong contender for another win. Keep an eye on George Russell as well, who could continue Mercedes` recent strong performance and aim for another podium finish.

Championship Standings

`Everyone is saying I`m leading the championship, but I`m not sure how at the moment,` Norris commented after the Bahrain Grand Prix. His four podiums and one race victory explain how, but it`s a narrow lead.

Verstappen is closing in, trailing by just eight points despite having a car that is considered slower.

McLaren is significantly ahead in the constructors` championship with 151 points, with Mercedes in second place, 58 points behind.