This weekend Formula 1 returns to Saudi Arabia for the country’s second Grand Prix. Set alongside the Red Sea the Jeddah Corniche circuit is long at 6.174km, has a high turn count at 27, and is one of the fastest circuits on the F1 calendar. To that end, with an average speed of 250kph it is the fastest street circuit on the calendar and second only to Monza overall. Designed and executed by Carsten Tilke’s firm, the circuit was constructed in record time but was not without criticism due to perceived dangerous areas on the track. For 2023 minor revisions have been made to curbing in several turns.
Red Bull come into this weekend after a dominant showing in the season opener. A repeat will be the goal but it might not be straightforward as Jeddah places an advantage on top speed which Ferrari seemed to have in pre-season testing. If Red Bull can find the right engine setting and aero package they should be on for another win. On the AlphaTauri side expect one car in the points with the second just outside those positions.
Elsewhere on the grid, here is how the teams could stack up for these first couple races until big update packages start entering the fray. I’m waiting one more race before I rank Aston Martin ahead of Ferrari.
1. Red Bull
2. Ferrari
3. Aston Martin
4. Mercedes
5. Alfa Romeo
6. Williams
7. Alpine
8. Alpha Tauri
9. McLaren
10. Haas
US TV SCHEDULE
Friday, March 17:
Practice 1 – 9.25AM – ESPN2
Practice 2 – 12.55PM –
ESPNEWS
Saturday, March 18:
Practice 3 – 9.25AM – ESPN2
Qualifying – 12.55PM –
ESPNEWS
Sunday, March 19:
Grand Prix Sunday (pre-race) – 11.30AM –
ESPN
, ESPN+
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – 12.55PM –
ESPN
, ESPN+
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (re-air) – 7PM –
ESPNEWS
CIRCUIT INFORMATION
Lap data
Lap length: 6.174km (3.836 miles)
Race laps: 50
Race distance: 308.7km (191.8 miles)
Pole position: Right-hand side of the track
Lap record*:
TBD
Fastest lap:
TBD
Maximum speed: TBCkph (mph)
DRS
zone/s (race):
TBC
Distance from grid to turn one: TBCm
Car performance
Full throttle: TBC%
Longest flat-out section: TBCm
Downforce level: Low
Gear changes per lap:
TBC
Fuel use per lap: TBCkg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: TBCs
Strategy
Tyres: Hard (C2), Medium (C3), Soft (C4)
2022 RESULTS
Race Info.
Pole position: Sergio Perez, 1:28.200
Race laps: 50
Fast race lap: Charles Leclerc, 1:31.634
Podium
1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
3. Carlos Sainz Jr., Ferrari
CURRENT STANDINGS
TRACK MAP AND VIDEO
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