Liam Lawson of Visa Cash App RB navigates the paddock during qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Photo: Kym Illman/Getty Images
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Jeddah Corniche Circuit
Race begins: 5am Monday, 21 April
Liam Lawson is facing an exciting challenge as he sets off in his best qualifying position of the season, starting from 12th on the grid for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after achieving a best time of 1m 28.229s. This marks the second time this year he has advanced to the second qualifying round, notably outpacing his highly regarded teammate Isack Hadjar. Lawson aims to improve his disappointing result from the previous week in Bahrain.
Red Bull Team Dynamics
Regarding Hadjar, speculation about him taking the seemingly jinxed second seat at Red Bull has decreased recently. Despite a crash during practice, Yuki Tsunoda has qualified in eighth place, marking his best starting position this season. Red Bull’s leader, Christian Horner, has expressed confidence in Tsunoda, stating, “He’s made a mistake, but he was driving very well until then. His confidence is growing, and his times are improving.”
In contrast, Lawson faced a quick return to Racing Bulls after only two race appearances. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s leading driver, Max Verstappen, has secured pole position and remains unfazed by the team’s internal dynamics.
Sparks ignite behind Liam Lawson at the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Photo: Clive Mason/Getty Images
Racing Bulls Perspective
Lawson’s manager at Racing Bulls has been supportive, acknowledging that while Lawson is understandably disappointed about stepping down from the main team, he remains positive and enthusiastic. Peter Bayer remarked that Lawson is “in a good place, feeling happy and motivated, and eagerly anticipating the race.”
Once again, Lawson is set to compete head-to-head with Hadjar, both of whom have their eye on Tsunoda and are eager to prove themselves.
Lawson’s Goals
Liam Lawson with members of the Racing Bulls team at the Bahrain Grand Prix on April 14, 2025.
Photo: AFP
In short, Lawson’s objective is to score points and diminish some of his critics’ concerns for the coming weeks. Starting in 12th place presents a valid opportunity, yet meticulous planning will be essential to achieve this—especially after last week’s poor pit stop strategy hindered his performance. Success will heavily depend on effective tire choices, making it intriguing to watch how Racing Bulls strategize.
Race Overview
The primary focus of this race remains the contest between Verstappen and the McLaren teammates, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Verstappen narrowly clinched pole position ahead of Piastri with a remarkable final qualifying lap. This marks the second time in three races where Verstappen has achieved pole, having led the previous race in Japan from start to finish.
Norris experienced a crash in qualifying, placing him in 10th, which may shift if repairs force him to start from the back. George Russell qualified third, followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes pilot Kimi Antonelli. Carlos Sainz achieved his best starting position for Williams in sixth, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton qualified seventh, narrowly avoiding elimination.
Max Verstappen l Racing celebrates achieving pole position alongside Oscar Piastri during qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Photo: Kym Illman/Getty Images
Jeddah Corniche Circuit Details
First Grand Prix: 2021
Race format: 50 laps
Circuit Length: 6.174 km
Total Race Distance: 308.45 km
Lap Record: 1:30.734 set by Lewis Hamilton in 2021
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is known as the fastest street circuit on the F1 calendar, weaving around the city’s waterfront, with average speeds nearing 250km/h. It is designed to challenge drivers with its rapid turns and sweeping nature.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Photo: Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
Complete Starting Grid
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull), 2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren), 3. George Russell (Mercedes), 4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 5. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), 6. Carlos Sainz (Williams), 7. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), 8. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull), 9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine), 10. Lando Norris (McLaren), 11. Alex Albon (Williams), 12. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls), 13. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), 14. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls), 15. Ollie Bearman (Haas), 16. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), 17. Jack Doohan (Alpine), 18. Nico Hülkenberg (Kick Sauber), 19. Esteban Ocon (Haas), 20. Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber).
