Round five is upon us with the second of the Middle Eastern races and one of the youngest and fastest circuits on the Formula 1 calendar.

Formula 1 heads to Jeddah this weekend for the last race of the first triple header, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Red Bull have won three out of four races at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, but will McLaren and Oscar Piastri continue the theme of dominance so far? Or can Ferrari and Mercedes get it together?

You’ll not be surprised to read that it’s forecast to be hot, dry and settled in the desert this weekend, with full sunshine, highs of 33°C and lows of 28°C.

Jump to a section: Circuit history & stats | 2024 race | race predictions | how to watch | championship standings

Latest news

• Saudi Arabia’s Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal is interested in owning an F1 team, in addition to a grand prix.

• Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel praised Norris as a “real role model” and said the Formula 1 leader’s open self-criticism was a strength rather than weakness. However, McLaren boss Andrea Stella said Norris was “unfair on himself” when criticising his driving, adding he’s “not clicking” with the car.

• Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has said concern is growing within Red Bull that Verstappen will leave the team at the end of the year.

• Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali has indicated his home race of Imola could drop off the calendar with Italy unlikely to retain two grands prix on a bulging 24-round schedule with plenty of candidates.

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

Circuit stats and history

On the shores of the Red Sea, Jeddah Corniche Circuit is a temporary street circuit designed by the company of legendary F1 track designer Hermann Tilke. It’s one of the fastest on the calendar, second only to Monza’s ‘Temple of Speed’ and it has a mamoth 27 corners.

Joining the F1 calendar in 2021, it’s one of the newest races, along with Miami and Las Vegas, which are also street circuits. And like it’s Middle Eastern counterparts, the race is held under floodlights in the evening

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 won from pole here.

What makes it special: The world’s fastest street circuit, with flowing high-speed corners and close walls.

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

Where to watch from: Turn 22 grandstand. High-speed commitment is required through the tightest part of the track, with a beautiful mosque providing the backdrop.

What happened last year?

The start of last season was dominated by Red Bull, and Verstappen eased to victory, followed by teammate and previous race winner in Jeddah, Perez, and Charles Leclerc third.

Verstappen briefly lost his lead to Norris under an early safety car after Lance Stroll crashed, but it was only a minor inconvinience for the Dutchman.

Who will win?

McLaren should continue to be the benchmark team and given the current form he’s in, it’s hard to look past Piastri winning again. Look out for George Russell continuing Mercedes’ strong recent run with another trip to the podium, too.

How the championships look

“Everyone says I’m leading the championship, I don’t know how at the minute” Norris said after the Bahrain Grand Prix. His tally of four podiums and one race victory is how, but only just.

Verstappen, however, is catching up, just trails just eight points behind with a slower car.

McLaren are storming ahead in the constructors’ championship with 151 points, with second-placed Mercedes 58 points behind.

How to watch the GP

Watch on ESPN and ESPN+ (U.S. only) — view the schedule.

Live broadcast coverage in the U.K. is on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.

For news, analysis and updates, follow the coverage with ESPN’s F1 team Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson in Jeddah and on social media.

Times below in BST (British Summer Time).

Friday
Free practice one: 14:30-15:30 BST
Free practice two: 18:00-19:00 BST

Saturday
Free practice three: 14:30-15:30 BST
Qualifying: 18:00-19:00 BST

Sunday
Race starts: 18:00 BST (build-up from 17:15 BST).

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