This weekend, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix marks the final leg of the season’s first ‘triple header.’ After thrilling races in Suzuka, Japan, and Bahrain, Formula One now heads to Jeddah on the shores of the Red Sea.
Here’s a look at the five biggest talking points ahead of the fifth round of the 2025 season:
McLaren’s Surge to the Top at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Oscar Piastri delivered a flawless performance to claim victory in Bahrain last Sunday, marking McLaren’s third win in the past four races. The Australian’s win pushed him just three points behind teammate Lando Norris, who secured third in Bahrain.
With Max Verstappen finishing in sixth, McLaren looks to be the team to beat in the early stages of the season. Although McLaren’s “papaya rules” (no favoritism) have been a hallmark of their team dynamic, the upcoming races could put that to the test as both Piastri and Norris battle for the top spot.
Looking ahead to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Norris said, “It’s a really fast track and we have a quick car, so we’ll aim to finish this triple-header strongly.”
Red Bull’s Road to Recovery
After a challenging weekend in Bahrain, Red Bull is eager to bounce back on one of their favorite circuits. Max Verstappen, who claimed victory in Jeddah in both 2022 and 2024, is determined to regain momentum and narrow the gap to the championship leader.
“Bahrain was tough, but we have a lot of work ahead to get the car to where it needs to be,” Verstappen said. “We hope to find more pace and perform like we did in Japan, where we won.”
The defending champions will be hoping that their car delivers the speed and reliability they need in Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The Jeddah Circuit: A Thrilling Challenge
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix offers a stark contrast to Bahrain. The Jeddah circuit is one of the fastest street tracks in F1, with a challenging layout that features a record 27 corners and three DRS zones. This circuit is designed for overtaking, and with the walls closing in on drivers, it’s bound to be a high-stakes race under floodlights.
Expect plenty of action, drama, and close racing as the drivers navigate this high-speed, tight street circuit.
Pierre Gasly’s Golfing Victory
Alpine driver Pierre Gasly finally got his season back on track with a seventh-place finish in Bahrain, securing his first points of the year. The Frenchman reflected on the team’s progress, saying, “It’s great to leave Bahrain with points after a tough start to the season.”
In his downtime, Gasly was also celebrating Rory McIlroy’s victory at the Masters. “I enjoyed watching McIlroy win the green jacket, and I’m delighted for him,” Gasly shared. McIlroy is also an investor in Alpine, making the victory even sweeter.
George Russell Earns Praise for Remarkable Drive
George Russell had a standout performance in Bahrain, finishing second despite facing numerous challenges during the race. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised Russell’s resilience, saying, “It was a superb drive from him under extreme pressure.”
On the other hand, Russell’s teammate, Kimi Antonelli, didn’t have the same luck and finished outside the points. Wolff acknowledged that Bahrain would serve as an important learning experience for the rookie.
As F1 gears up for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the tension is rising. Will McLaren continue their dominance? Can Red Bull bounce back? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—this race is set to deliver more excitement.
