Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025: Predictions and Betting Tips for the F1 Race

The 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is set to take place from April 18 to 20 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. This will mark the fourth race of the current Formula 1 season.

What odds have the bookmakers prepared for the stage in Jeddah? Find the best odds for the racing weekend in our review.

Who will win the race?

Oscar Piastri’s outstanding performance in the previous race has not gone unnoticed, with both McLaren drivers considered front-runners ahead of the Jeddah Grand Prix. However, followers of Max Verstappen may find value in backing him for a podium finish. Red Bull Racing are expected to respond to their previous setbacks with detailed analysis and upgrades, reducing the risk of further mishaps.

2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Winner Odds

In Bahrain, Piastri not only claimed victory but also secured pole position and clocked the fastest lap. As a result, McLaren’s preference for Lando Norris appears less clear-cut, with both drivers now emerging as genuine contenders for the drivers’ championship.

Driver

Betfred

Jeffbet

Bluefox

Unibet

Lando Norris

7/5

7/5

7/5

27/20

Oscar Piastri

7/5

7/5

7/5

5/4

Max Verstappen

7/1

6/1

6/1

8/1

George Russell

10/1

11/1

11/1

8/1

Charles Leclerc

14/1

14/1

14/1

12/1

Formula 1 Drivers' Championship Title Betting Odds

Interestingly, after four rounds, the gap at the top of the standings remains minimal. Lando leads his teammate by just three points. Meanwhile, Max and George are still within reach and remain serious threats in the championship race.

Formula 1 icon Juan Pablo Montoya has gone so far as to suggest not only the decline of the Max Verstappen era but also that 2025 could mark his final season racing for Red Bull Racing.

This is the beginning of the end for Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing. In a sense, Max was fortunate to have had the best car, but this season has brought him back down to earth. He’s a winner, but if the Red Bull Racing car isn’t competitive, it will completely change the tone of any contract discussions.

Verstappen himself has told the media that he no longer sees himself as a title contender in 2025, describing himself as “just another participant in the championship” rather than a serious threat. Ralf Schumacher has also hinted that Mercedes and McLaren will look to exploit Red Bull Racing’s vulnerabilities—and could even try to sign the former champion.

As for Hamilton and his new team, it’s still too early to speak of major breakthroughs. Ferrari might have the potential to challenge for top-five finishes, but sustained success will require significant upgrades and consistent improvements in performance.

Personal standings for the 2025 season and odds to win

Driver

Points

Odds

Lando Norris

77

7/5

Oscar Piastri

74

1/1

Max Verstappen

69

10/1

George Russell

63

20/1

Charles Leclerc

32

66/1

Are Red Bull Racing cars falling apart?

Red Bull Racing’s troubles in Bahrain began with overheating brake components, which deteriorated mid-race and forced Verstappen to brake much earlier than his rivals.

To complicate matters, a strange technical glitch occurred during pit stops. The team’s pit lane traffic lights gave incorrect signals, causing drivers to remain stationary for several seconds longer than necessary, costing them valuable track position. It took several mishandled stops before the mechanics identified the fault.

Following the disappointing race in Bahrain, Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko confirmed that an emergency technical meeting was held to address the issues in detail:

It was a very difficult day for Red Bull Racing. The problems were clear. We need to restore the car’s performance and deliver flawless pit stops again. At the moment, our car isn’t the fastest, and our pit stops aren’t functioning as they should. That’s unacceptable. We know we’re not competitive enough, and we’ll be bringing upgrades in the next races that we hope will help. We’re facing several issues, but the main one is balance. I believe that’s what led to the braking problems.

Despite the setbacks and growing pressure, Verstappen remains unfazed. In fact, he has expressed optimism that the upcoming upgrades could allow him to challenge for the win in Jeddah:

Last year, the circuit in Jeddah suited us well. It’s a fast, semi-street layout that’s exciting to drive. Tyre degradation typically isn’t too severe here, so we’re expecting a smoother race this time.

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix History

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is among the most recent additions to the Formula 1 calendar, with its inaugural race held in 2021. Lewis Hamilton won the first edition for Mercedes.

Since then, only Red Bull Racing cars have triumphed in Jeddah—Max Verstappen in 2022 and 2024, and Sergio Pérez in 2023.

Initially, organisers had planned to build the Qiddiya circuit near Riyadh, approximately 45 kilometres away. However, due to tight timelines for the 2021 calendar inclusion, a temporary street circuit was constructed in Jeddah instead.

Following the success of the early editions, the decision was made to abandon relocation plans and sign a long-term deal with the current venue.

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Prediction

Verstappen’s experience compared to his younger rivals could be a decisive factor in Jeddah. Should Red Bull Racing resolve their braking and balance issues, they may once again deliver the kind of cornering speeds that previously defined their dominance.

Still, closing the gap to the McLaren duo on the straights remains a major challenge. Yet the inconsistent form of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris leaves room for surprise leaders. If the team execute clean pit stops and provide a well-balanced chassis, Max has every chance of reaching the podium.

George Russell is another strong contender. He showed impressive pace with the current Mercedes package in Bahrain and could replicate that performance in qualifying at Jeddah.

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Schedule and Weather Forecast

From Friday through Sunday, daytime temperatures are expected to hover around 34°C. In the evening, during the race itself, temperatures should drop to approximately 27°C.

When to watch

Event

April 18, 2.30pm on Sky Sports F1

Practice One

April 18, 6.00pm on Sky Sports F1

Practice Two

April 19, 2.30pm on Sky Sports F1

Practice Three

April 19, 6.00pm on Sky Sports F1

Qualifying

April 20, 6.00pm on Sky Sports F1

The Saudi Arabia Prix