The excitement is building as the Formula 1 circus rolls into Saudi Arabia for the final leg of the triple-header weekend. Today, April 19, 2025, the Jeddah circuit, known as 'the fastest street circuit in the world', is set to host the qualifying session for the Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia. The qualification will kick off at 19:00 Dutch time (CET), which translates to 20:00 local time, under the lights of this stunning street track.
Last year, Max Verstappen made headlines by clinching pole position here with an astonishing average speed of 254.097 kilometers per hour, outpacing his rivals and showcasing the sheer speed that the Jeddah circuit offers. The stakes are high as the drivers prepare to push their limits on a track where the walls loom dangerously close, punishing any miscalculation.
In the lead-up to today’s qualifying, the third and final free practice session took place earlier in the day, allowing drivers to fine-tune their setups before the all-important qualifying laps. Verstappen and his team at Red Bull Racing appear to be in a better place compared to their performance in Bahrain last week, but they still face stiff competition from McLaren, who have shown impressive form.
Oscar Piastri, fresh off a spectacular victory in Bahrain, is emerging as a serious contender this weekend. His teammate, Lando Norris, topped the timesheets in the second free practice with a time of 1:28.267, finishing one and a half tenths ahead of Piastri and three tenths faster than Verstappen. Charles Leclerc also showed competitive pace, clocking in fourth, nearly half a second off Norris’s leading time.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for every driver. Yuki Tsunoda faced a setback, crashing his Red Bull into the wall during Friday's session, while Gabriel Bortoleto missed out on the second practice due to an oil leak on his Sauber. Both drivers will be looking to make up for lost time in the final practice and qualifying.
As the sun sets over Jeddah, temperatures are expected to drop from a scorching 33°C during the day to around 29°C at the start of qualifying. The clear skies promise a dry session, with only a 1% chance of rain, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown.
The qualifying session will determine the starting grid for tomorrow's race, and with McLaren showing such strong form, will Verstappen be able to reclaim the pole position he secured last year? The anticipation is palpable as teams and fans alike await the outcome of this crucial session.
As the clock ticks down to qualifying, all eyes will be on the drivers to see who can master the unique challenges of the Jeddah circuit. Will it be another magical performance from Verstappen, or will McLaren's momentum carry them to the front of the grid? One thing is for sure: the action in Jeddah is not to be missed!
