Poll: Official 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Thread - Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah- Race 5/24

[chrismscotland]

Jeddah
When was the track built?
Construction of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit began in 2021. The circuit was designed to be a fast and flowing street track, set against the stunning backdrop of the Red Sea. It was completed in record time, showcasing Saudi Arabia's commitment to hosting world-class motorsport events.

When was its first Grand Prix?
The inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix took place in December 2021. The race was a thrilling night event, with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen battling fiercely for the win, setting the tone for the circuit's reputation as a high-speed, action-packed venue.

What’s the circuit like?
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is one of the fastest street circuits in Formula 1, with an average speed second only to Monza. The track features 27 corners, many of which are high-speed sweeps, and offers plenty of overtaking opportunities. The long straights and tight corners make it a challenging circuit for drivers, especially under the floodlights at night.

Why go?
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit offers a unique blend of high-speed racing and stunning coastal views. Fans can enjoy the excitement of night racing while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of Jeddah. The city itself is a cultural hub, offering visitors a chance to explore Saudi Arabia's rich history and modern attractions.

Where is the best place to watch?
The grandstands along the main straight provide an excellent view of the start/finish line and the pit lane action. For those looking to catch the high-speed drama, the grandstands near Turn 13, a sweeping banked corner, offer a fantastic vantage point. Alternatively, the grandstands near the final sector provide a great view of the cars navigating the tight, technical corners before heading back onto the main straight.

Channel 4 Highlights
Saturday 18th April 2025 - Saudi Arabian GP Qualifying Session Highlights - 21:30
Sunday 20th April 2025 - Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Highlights - 22:30

Jeddah Corniche Circuit Map

Weather Forecast (As at 15/04/2024) (Bloody Warm)

Race Highlights

• Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021 - Highlights
• Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2022 - Highlights
• Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023 - Highlights
• Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024 - Highlights

Championship Standings after Bahrain (Round 4)

2025 F1 Race Calendar

 

[chrismscotland]

Sorry for the late thread folks, busy week so far and a 3 week back to back race schedule is a nightmare!

 

[Dup]

Sorry for the late thread folks, busy week so far and a 3 week back to back race schedule is a nightmare!

I really appreciate the threads with the info all in one place, thank you.

Street circuit time. We'll possibly see another winner this weekend and maybe a surprise podium for someone.

 

[Mr Jack]

I don't much like this circuit, but it's had some decent races. I'm expecting Piastri to leave this one with the Championship lead; Norris really needs to stop that happening if he's to get his challenge back on track.

Sorry for the late thread folks, busy week so far and a 3 week back to back race schedule is a nightmare!

No need to apologise! Besides there's nothing on track until Friday.

 

[Terminal_Boy]

I really appreciate the threads with the info all in one place, thank you.

Street circuit time. We'll possibly see another winner this weekend and maybe a surprise podium for someone.

Antoneli is one to watch, but both Gasly and Ocon (now they’ve been separated) are making the most of their cars so far this year and could easily grab a podium spot if the front runners mess up.*

* The Ferrari Strategy Circus are guaranteed to pie at least one of their drivers in the face every Sunday.

 

[Feek]

Thanks Chris, how amazing would it be with this number of cars on the track

 

[Mr Jack]

Thanks Chris, how amazing would it be with this number of cars on the track

To be honest, I think having the camels on track would spice things up just as much...

 

[imtoooldforthis]

It’s a good high speed track and relatively dangerous for modern F1

In its short history it’s provided more entertaining races than classic tracks like Spa or Suzuka have over the same time perios

Granted a lot of that is down to lots of walls and thus lots of safety cars bringing the field back together.

 

[Feek]

Hahaha, Max to Crofty in the press conference.

“I’ll focus on driving, you focus on commentating and don’t worry about anything else.”

 

[NotTheOne]

Whats going on with the car in the bottom right (just above the camel) in the very first pic? Some new aerodynamics?

 

[chrismscotland]

Whats going on with the car in the bottom right (just above the camel) in the very first pic? Some new aerodynamics?

New gimmick, AI driven car!

 

[Emlyn_Dewar]

Hahaha, Max to Crofty in the press conference.

“I’ll focus on driving, you focus on commentating and don’t worry about anything else.”

TBH, it'd maybe be better for everything if Crofty didn't worry about commentating either.

 

[cuke2u]

So George did use the in car cooling vest in last week's race and might use it again this weekend https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/george-russell-gave-new-f1-innovation-an-under-the-radar-debut/

 

[Tigget]

TBH, it'd maybe be better for everything if Crofty didn't worry about commentating either.

100%.

 

[Mr Jack]

So George did use the in car cooling vest in last week's race and might use it again this weekend https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/george-russell-gave-new-f1-innovation-an-under-the-radar-debut/

Yeah, he was wearing it in the cool down room. He had major trouble with overheating last year, so it makes sense he's one of the drivers keenest on it.

 

[Scam]

Kinda nuts how normalised it is having pinnacles of competitive sports in places where it’s basically not really suitable. Thinking to the World Cup with air conditioned stadiums, that Winter Olympics where there was no snow etc.

 

[Mr Jack]

Gasly fastest in FP1. Alpine intensifies.

 

[imtoooldforthis]

TBH, it'd maybe be better for everything if Crofty didn't worry about commentating either.

People dump on Crofty but he’s far more competent than Murray Walker ever was.

Murray just had a good tone of voice, as a commentator he made far more mistakes than crofty ever did and talked absolute bobbins a lot of the time. The commentary was a lot less professional and informative overall… something that becomes incredibly obvious when you watch old F1 coverage, it’s legitimately abysmal for the most part.

Crofty is also far better than Legard and Allen were imo

I’m not really sure what people expect from F1 commentary or how Crofty winds people up so much bar the lame dad banter which is a bit cringe at worst.

 

[GravyMonster]

Got to agree with the above. Murray was definitely enthusiastic, but as a clear communicator and informer he was objectively terrible.

 

[Mad_Jay]

First oops/red flag of the weekend, Yuki clipping the final corner apex barrier and sliding off into the outer wall.

I watch/listen to a pair of F1 podcasters and one of them made a wild prediction of no red flags this weekend. Nutter