Red Bull Racing has dominated the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in recent years, securing back-to-back one-two finishes. In 2024, Max Verstappen clinched his ninth consecutive victory and marked his 100th career podium. That year, he won from pole position ahead of teammate Sergio Pérez, reversing the outcome from the previous year, when the Mexican driver took the top step.
Verstappen has finished on the podium in all four of his races in Jeddah, never placing lower than second. In contrast, the other 19 drivers on the current grid have collectively achieved only five podium finishes at the Saudi Arabian track.
Max’s 2024 pole lap in Jeddah was clocked at a blistering 253.999 km/h — the fastest qualifying lap recorded on a circuit other than Monza since 1990.
However, the 2025 race presents a new set of challenges. Verstappen acknowledged that Red Bull had a difficult start to the season. “Bahrain was a pretty tough weekend for us,” he admitted. “Things didn’t go as planned. We had several issues that set us back, and there’s still a lot of work to do if we want to get back on track toward our goals.”
Still, Verstappen is optimistic about the upcoming race in Jeddah. “It was a strong circuit for us last year. It’s a true high-speed track and really fun to drive,” he said. “Tire wear is usually less of a concern there, so I think we can have a better race. Hopefully, we’ll find more speed and perform like we did in Japan.”
Max Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP Record:
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2021: Started 3rd / Finished 2nd
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2022: Started 4th / Finished 1st
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2023: Started 15th / Finished 2nd
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2024: Started 1st / Finished 1st
2025 Bahrain Grand Prix – Top Results:
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Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren – 1:35:39.435
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George Russell (GB), Mercedes – +15.499
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Lando Norris (GB), McLaren – +16.273
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Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari – +19.679
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Lewis Hamilton (GB), Ferrari – +27.993
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Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing – +34.395
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Pierre Gasly (FR), Alpine – +36.002
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Esteban Ocon (FR), Haas – +44.244
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Yuki Tsunoda (JP), Red Bull Racing – +45.061
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Oliver Bearman (GB), Haas – +47.594
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Kimi Antonelli (IT), Mercedes – +48.016
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Alex Albon (TH), Williams – +48.839
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Isack Hadjar (FR), Racing Bulls – +56.314
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Jack Doohan (AUS), Alpine – +57.806
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Fernando Alonso (ES), Aston Martin – +60.340
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Liam Lawson (NZ), Racing Bulls – +64.435
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Lance Stroll (CAN), Aston Martin – +65.489
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Gabriel Bortoleto (BR), Sauber – +66.872
Did Not Finish:
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Carlos Sainz (ES), Williams – Crash Damage
Disqualified:
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Nico Hülkenberg (DE), Sauber – Excessive plank wear
Verstappen now turns his focus to Jeddah, aiming to recapture the dominant form that’s made him a favorite on one of the fastest street circuits in the Formula 1 calendar.
