The first triple header of the year comes to an end in the Saudi Arabia GP. The 5th race in the F1 2025 season takes place in the Jeddah Corniche Street circuit. The track is well-known for its high speeds and several technical sections that will challenge drivers and their teams.
The top 4 drivers in the championship are separated by just 14 points and it’ll get even more heated this weekend. The track has seen some classics in the past two years and we would expect to see more this weekend. However, this time the conditions will be quite hot, and it will have an impact on the race. Let’s see what we you can expect this weekend.
Key Storylines for the 2025 Saudi Arabia GP
1. Crisis at Red Bull
The Bahrain GP was one of the lowest points for Red Bull in the 2025 F1 season. Everything that could’ve gone wrong went wrong, and Verstappen finished 6th in the race. The worst part was that the reigning world championship was fighting with Haas and Alpine during the race. The Saudi Arabian GP should be better for the team, as the car looked good on fast corners in China, which Jeddah has plenty of.
2. Can Norris Stop Piastri?
At the start of the season, the question on everyone’s mind was can Oscar Piastri challenge Lando Norris in 2025. However, after the first 4 races, the question has turned upside down. Piastri has been the faster driver amongst the two and showcased it by becoming the first dual winner of the 2025 F1 season. Lando Norris can regain the status of the title favorite, if he can start making less mistakes and becoming more consistent.
3. New Test for Midfield Leader Haas
Haas are team leading the midfield after the first four rounds of the season. This after a horrible start in the first race of the season in the Australian GP. However, the team has bounced back remarkably and bagged top 10 finishes in the past 3 races. It will be interesting to see how the team fares in the Saudi Grand Prix.
Predictions for the 2025 Saudi Arabia GP
1. Pole Position for the Race: Oscar Piastri
Oscar Piastri is the in-form driver currently and is a top favorite to claim pole in the Saudi Arabia GP. The Aussie has improved his qualifying prowess this year and has already bagged two pole positions this season. With a strong car, the young McLaren driver has a great chance to be on pole for the race.
2. Race Winner: Oscar Piastri
The tire compound for the Saudi Arabia GP is going to be on the softer side, so it’s advantage McLaren. Also, as things have been going this season, the pole sitter is again going to win. Things may be different in terms of overtaking in Jeddah, but the confidence in Oscar’s driving will surely give him an edge.
3. Biggest Surprise: Racing Bulls
Racing Bulls will certainly have an edge in the fast sections of the Jeddah circuit. The car was quick in the fast second sector in China, and the Jeddah track will suit them. The team might jump straight to the top of the midfield and perform well this weekend. However, the confidence of Liam Lawson is also important if they are to perform this weekend.
4. Biggest Flop: Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton hasn’t had the best time in the past Saudi Arabia Grand Prixs. To top it off, he hasn’t adapted to the prancing horse, so you’d expect him to struggle a bit this weekend. Ferrari will get upgrades this weekend, and he might struggle to adapt to them.
2025 Saudi Arabia GP Timings IST
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