The 2025 Formula One season is heating up as the grid heads to the streets of Jeddah for Round 5 — the high-octane Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The night race, held at the lightning-fast Jeddah Corniche Circuit, promises drama with its 27 corners, 6.174km lap length, and a reputation for chaos — the safety car has made an appearance in every edition since its debut in 2021.
Circuit History and Dominance
Since Lewis Hamilton took the inaugural win for Mercedes in 2021, Red Bull have owned Jeddah — with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez combining for three consecutive victories. Verstappen’s 2024 triumph from pole continues his streak as the only driver to have finished on the podium in every Saudi GP.
The circuit’s high-speed, street-style layout makes it a unique challenge. With a lap record of 1:30.734 (Hamilton, 2021) and the fastest street track on the calendar, anything can happen under the lights.
Championship Picture
In a surprising twist, it’s McLaren’s Lando Norris leading the drivers’ standings after a consistent start to the season, including a win in Australia. He’s just three points ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri, with Verstappen eight points back. Piastri’s form has been impressive — including a win from pole with fastest lap in Bahrain on his 50th F1 start.
McLaren dominate the constructors’ championship as well, holding a 58-point cushion over Mercedes and a staggering 80-point lead over Red Bull.
Season Stats So Far
- 🏆 Race Wins: Piastri (2), Norris (1), Verstappen (1)
- 🥇 Poles: Piastri (2), Norris (1), Verstappen (1)
- ⏱️ 2024 Fastest Lap in Jeddah: Charles Leclerc – 1:31.632
Rookies and Rising Stars
Rookies have already made waves. Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Oliver Bearman (Haas), and Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) have all scored points, while others — like Gabriel Bortoleto, Jack Doohan, and Liam Lawson — are still chasing their first F1 points.
Milestones and More
- 🟢 Aston Martin celebrates its 100th Grand Prix as a constructor.
- 🟡 Piastri could become the first Australian to lead the championship since Mark Webber in 2010.
- 🔴 All teams have scored points this year — with Alpine breaking their duck in Bahrain.
As the sun sets over the Red Sea, the battle in Jeddah could redefine the title fight. Will Verstappen claw his way back into contention, or will McLaren’s dream run continue?
