As the sun set over the Corniche Circuit in Jeddah, the atmosphere was electric for the opening day of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend. On Friday, April 18, 2025, the first two free practice sessions kicked off with excitement and drama, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating race weekend.
The first session of free practice (FP1) began at 15:30 local time, showcasing a surprising performance from Pierre Gasly of Alpine, who clocked the fastest lap of the session with a time of 1:29.239. He edged out Lando Norris from McLaren by just seven milliseconds, with Charles Leclerc of Ferrari following closely behind in third, a mere 70 milliseconds off the pace. Oscar Piastri, also from McLaren, and Alex Albon from Williams rounded out the top five, while reigning champion Max Verstappen struggled to find his rhythm, finishing eighth and just ahead of Lewis Hamilton in ninth.
As the teams prepared for the second session (FP2) at 19:00, the track conditions changed significantly with the air temperature dropping by 12 degrees, affecting tire performance. The cooler asphalt presented challenges for drivers, particularly in managing grip levels. Norris, however, proved to be the standout again, setting the fastest time of FP2 at 1:28.267, followed closely by teammate Piastri, who was just 163 milliseconds behind. Verstappen improved to third, but was still 280 milliseconds off Norris’s pace. Leclerc finished fourth, while Hamilton continued to struggle, placing thirteenth and over six tenths behind his teammate.
The day was not without its incidents. Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull crashed into the wall during FP2, destroying his car but fortunately emerging unscathed. “I exaggerated in the corner and damaged the car, I no longer had control unfortunately. I apologize to the team,” Tsunoda stated after the session. His mishap interrupted the session with about eight minutes remaining. Meanwhile, Lance Stroll spun out in his Aston Martin, but also escaped without injury.
Traffic on the Jeddah circuit was a significant issue for many drivers, complicating their attempts to find clean laps. Norris voiced his frustration over team radio, asking, “Why is no one using the radio?” This highlighted the difficulties drivers faced in navigating the tight confines of the track, where walls loom close and any mistake can be costly.
Ferrari's performance was a mixed bag. While Leclerc managed to secure a respectable fourth in FP2, Hamilton's struggles continued as he failed to find a comfortable setup in his SF-25. The team’s new floor and aerodynamic adjustments aimed at improving performance have yet to translate into competitive times. “We need to find an alternative way in terms of setup to recover,” Hamilton acknowledged, reflecting on his challenges throughout the day.
As the day progressed, the McLarens demonstrated a clear edge, with their pace suggesting they could be the team to beat this weekend. The gap between McLaren and the rest of the field seemed significant, particularly in race simulations where Norris appeared to be in a league of his own. However, the unpredictable nature of racing means that the slightest error or unforeseen circumstance could change the dynamics come race day.
Looking ahead to the race on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, teams will need to refine their strategies based on the data gathered from these sessions. The Jeddah circuit, known for its fast straights and technical corners, will challenge drivers to maintain focus and precision. With the potential for mixed weather conditions and the inherent unpredictability of street circuits, the stage is set for a thrilling race.
As the teams regroup and analyze their performances, all eyes will be on the McLaren duo of Norris and Piastri to see if they can maintain their momentum. Meanwhile, Ferrari will be keen to address their issues and find the pace needed to compete at the front. With the race weekend still unfolding, fans can expect more excitement and surprises as the teams prepare for the main event.
In the world of Formula 1, every second counts, and as the teams head into qualifying, the pressure will be on to deliver the best performance possible. Will McLaren continue their dominance, or can Ferrari and the other teams close the gap? Only time will tell as the weekend progresses.
