The free practice sessions for the stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Formula 1 and its supporting races will commence today at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. This event marks the fifth consecutive year it has been held in the Kingdom under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports.
Twenty drivers representing ten elite Formula 1 teams will compete in this exciting race, which is part of the fifth round of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship. Both the first and second free practice sessions for the stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will last one hour each. The first session is set to begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by the second session at 8:00 p.m, SPA reported.
The Saudi round in Jeddah is the fifth stop on the championship calendar and is officially named the stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This race is considered one of the season’s most prominent events due to its extensive fan and media coverage.
Unforgettable excitement since 2021
Since 2021, when Saudi Arabia first hosted the prestigious Formula 1, the stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has provided unforgettable excitement and lasting memories in Jeddah. On the world’s fastest street circuit, exceptional drivers have captivated large audiences, establishing this race as a key highlight in the Kingdom’s annual sporting calendar.
Historic performances at Jeddah
The inaugural race in 2021 saw British driver Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes become the first winner of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after a thrilling duel with Dutchman Max Verstappen from Red Bull, who finished second, and Valtteri Bottas, also from Mercedes, who claimed third.
In 2022, Max Verstappen secured his first victory at the stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, outpacing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who took second, with his teammate Carlos Sainz finishing third. The 2023 edition showcased a stellar performance from Mexico’s Sergio Pérez of Red Bull, who claimed first place, while his teammate Max Verstappen surged from 15th to second, with Briton George Russell of Mercedes finishing third.
In the latest edition, held in 2024, Max Verstappen clinched his second title at Jeddah after a dominant race, followed by Sergio Pérez in second and Charles Leclerc from Ferrari in third. This victory solidified the Jeddah Corniche Circuit as a favored venue for Verstappen, creating cherished memories in his remarkable Formula 1 career.
Read more: stc Group to power F1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023
Intense competition among top teams
The competition among the participating teams—Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari—adds to the excitement of the race, attracting Formula 1 enthusiasts to Jeddah each year. Historically, Red Bull, which entered Formula 1 in 2005, has achieved six world titles, 122 wins, 103 pole positions, and 99 fastest laps, showcasing its strong presence every season. Mercedes, with origins dating back to 1954, has secured eight world titles, 129 wins, 141 pole positions, and 109 fastest laps, consistently placing them in contention.
Ferrari, the oldest and most storied team in the sport, maintains its historical prestige. Since joining the championship in 1950, Ferrari has amassed 16 titles, 248 wins, 253 pole positions, and 263 fastest laps, reflecting a legacy of dominance that positions it as a legendary frontrunner in the world of Formula 1.
A palpable sense of anticipation grips Formula 1 fans worldwide, both those attending the races and those watching from afar. The focus will soon turn to Jeddah for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s fifth hosting of this prestigious event, further establishing it as a leading global sporting hub for the most-watched, reputable, and significant elite competitions, drawing athletes, fans, and media alike.
