Formula 1 roars back into the Middle East this weekend as the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takes centre stage in Jeddah. Taking place on the lightning-quick streets of the Red Sea port city, this night race has rapidly become one of the most anticipated events on the calendar. Since its debut in 2021, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit has delivered drama, high-speed duels, and moments of pure unpredictability. With championship battles beginning to take shape early in the season, the Saudi GP could prove pivotal in setting the tone for the upcoming flyaway rounds.
Circuit Analysis
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is a true test of courage and car control. Measuring 6.174 km per lap, the race spans 50 laps, totalling 308.45 km. As the second-longest track on the calendar—only behind Spa-Francorchamps—it’s also the fastest street circuit in Formula 1, with average speeds touching 250 km/h.
What makes Jeddah so unique is its high-speed sweeps, narrow barriers, and 27 corners that demand precision under floodlights. With little margin for error, drivers need to be razor-sharp throughout. The layout encourages slipstreaming, meaning overtaking is more than possible, especially with three DRS zones available.
Weather in Jeddah is typically dry and warm, though the coastal humidity can pose challenges for both drivers and machinery. The track surface also evolves quickly over the weekend, meaning grip levels will be at their best come Sunday evening.
Past winners include Lewis Hamilton (2021), Max Verstappen (2022 and 2023), and Sergio Pérez (2024), with Verstappen holding the race lap record of 1:30.734.
Team and Driver Analysis
Red Bull remain the dominant force in 2025, with Max Verstappen leading the drivers’ standings after securing three wins from the opening four races. His teammate Sergio Pérez, last year’s winner in Jeddah, is also showing strong form and will be eager to reclaim momentum in the championship battle.
Ferrari look revitalised this season. Charles Leclerc has consistently challenged at the front, while Carlos Sainz has been reliable in support. Their straight-line speed and improved tyre management make them serious podium contenders in Jeddah.
McLaren and Mercedes are close behind. Lando Norris has shown sparks of brilliance but is still chasing consistency, while Oscar Piastri continues his development with measured drives. Mercedes, meanwhile, are improving race by race, with George Russell edging Lewis Hamilton in intra-team performance so far this season. Mercedes’ upgrades for Jeddah could give them a much-needed boost.
No major driver changes are expected this weekend, though eyes will be on Aston Martin’s development path, especially after their mixed start to the year.
Qualifying Performance
Saturday’s qualifying session was an edge-of-your-seat affair under the lights. Max Verstappen once again stamped his authority with a scintillating pole lap, closely followed by Charles Leclerc and Sergio Pérez. The top three were split by just 0.142 seconds, setting the stage for an electric first stint.
Further down, Lando Norris qualified fourth, impressively ahead of both Mercedes drivers. George Russell took fifth, with Lewis Hamilton managing only seventh after struggling with rear-end grip in Q3. Fernando Alonso squeezed into the top six, and both Haas cars missed out on Q2, highlighting the ongoing disparity in the midfield.
America Bet Race Winner Prediction
Race Driver to win: Max Verstappen
Verstappen is in devastating form and seems untouchable on circuits where confidence and commitment are rewarded. With pole position already in the bag and a near-perfect record on street tracks, the Dutchman is the clear favourite to take the chequered flag in Jeddah. His ability to manage race pace, conserve tyres, and deliver when it counts gives him the edge over rivals.
America Bet Podium Finish Prediction
- Max Verstappen
- Charles Leclerc
- Sergio Pérez
Verstappen is primed for victory, but Leclerc’s one-lap pace and Ferrari’s improved tyre life could see him push hard for the win. Pérez, ever the street circuit specialist, should have enough in his Red Bull to fend off pressure from behind and secure a solid podium finish. Expect close battles between these three throughout.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Max Verstappen to win
- Charles Leclerc podium finish
- Fastest lap: Max Verstappen
- Safety Car to appear during the race
- Double top-six finish for Ferrari
- Over 15.5 classified finishers
- First car to retire: Haas
- Sergio Pérez top-three finish
