JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - MARCH 19: A general view of fireworks at the podium celebrations following the race win of Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing during the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 19, 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – MARCH 02: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 leads Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Ferrari SF-24 and the rest of the field into the first corner at the start of the race during F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

The Formula 1 season is in full swing, and with the Bahrain Grand Prix drawing to an end, excitement is building for the next race in Saudi Arabia. This exciting circuit, which takes place on the streets of Jeddah, promises to provide fast-paced action and fierce competition. Let’s take a closer look at what spectators may anticipate from the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as we get ready for the second event of the season. 

Let’s take a look at the circuit

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – MARCH 17: A general view showing Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 17, 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202303170966 // Usage for editorial use only //

The Jeddah Street Circuit is one of the newest stops on the Formula 1 calendar, which is situated next to the breathtaking Red Sea. This course, which is more than 6 kilometers long and has 27 corners overall, is among the hardest and longest circuits on the calendar. The Jeddah Street Circuit is challenging for drivers and teams to navigate because of its lengthy straights, narrow bends, and tricky parts.

What can we expect from this Grand Prix?

Following his decisive win in Bahrain, Max Verstappen is definitely the one to watch. The Dutch driver won his 55th Formula One race by showcasing complete control over his Red Bull and establishing a comfortable lead over his competitors. Verstappen is positioned to win the upcoming Grand Prix after displaying such strength at the beginning of the season. He is a serious contender for the title because of his ability to maximize the performance of his car and maintain a strong pace on various circuit types.

Sergio Perez, his teammate, performed admirably in Bahrain as well, coming in second. Throughout the race, the Mexican managed to make his way through the drivers that qualified ahead of him, but still lacked pace compared to his teammate. Perez will try to build on this positive showing and help Red Bull win more crucial points in the race for the constructors’ championship.

Carlos Sainz had an incredible race for Ferrari, placing third on the podium. The Spanish driver was skilled at making the most of his SF-24 in order to compete with Mercedes and Red Bull. With a car that looks competitive and increasing self-assurance, Sainz might be a major contender in the upcoming races.

However, the top three teams are not the only ones vying for the championship. Even though Mercedes trailed in the season’s opening race, it’s still a formidable opponent. Due to seat issues, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was unable to perform to the best of his abilities in Bahrain. However, there is little doubt that the British driver will return determined to compete at the front.

George Russell, his teammate, also displayed moments of competitiveness in Bahrain, but a costly error late in the race cost him the 4th position. In upcoming races, Russell will aim to make amends and prove his value, even if it means seizing the chance when it arises.

Lastly, other teams and drivers will still compete for honors and have a say in the championship race, like Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso at McLaren and Aston Martin, respectively.

As a result, the upcoming Grand Prix looks to be an exciting battle between teams and drivers, with Russell, Verstappen, Perez, Sainz, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, and Piastri among the key players to keep an eye on. On the track, drivers will likely put on an exciting show as they compete for the win and crucial championship points.