Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend overview
In Bahrain, veteran Fernando Alonso delivered a striking performance by finishing on the podium in his first race of the season at the age of 41. The moment underscored Alonso’s enduring talent and the rising entertainment value around Aston Martin as the season opened. The teams now shift focus to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, where the championship continues to unfold with high anticipation as the second round of the year approaches.
Max Verstappen, at 25 years old, began his title defense with a strong start in Bahrain, leading the pack ahead of Red Bull teammate Sergio Pérez. The Austrian outfit is considered the team to beat after a historic run last season, while Mercedes remains focused on reclaiming their championship momentum after years of success in the constructors’ standings. The early signs point to a tight and intensely competitive season ahead.
Alonso’s form was evident even before the race, as he topped the practice sessions in Bahrain and finished fifth on the grid. His performance helped solidify Aston Martin’s early-season momentum, highlighted by a podium finish that added to his long and storied career, including multiple world championships and a recent resurgence in form. The Spaniard’s journey continues to captivate fans as he ticks off milestones and adds chapters to his legacy in Formula One.
Asturian double world champion Fernando Alonso, renowned for his two titles in 2005 and 2006, has been a central figure in F1 for nearly two decades. In the new AM23, he secured third place ahead of his fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz in a dramatic race, cementing Aston Martin’s status as a competitive force early in the season. The result followed a race in which Sainz finished just outside the podium, highlighting the tight margins that define modern F1 racing. [citation: FIA race report].
Team leadership within Scuderia Ferrari saw changes at the helm, with Frederic Vasseur taking charge and Mattia Binotto stepping back, a shift shadowed by last year’s struggles. In Bahrain, Leclerc faced reliability issues and retired from the race after a strategic decision to replace a control unit on his SF23. The decision carried a grid penalty that reshaped the order for the following events, reminding fans of the fragile balance between performance and reliability in the high-stakes world of Formula One. [citation: FIA technical notes].
Saudi Arabian GP schedule
Friday, March 17
Free practice 1: 14.30 – 15.30
Free practice 2: 18.00 – 19.00
Saturday, March 18
Free practice 3: 14:30 – 15:30
Where to watch F1 Bahrain GP
As in recent seasons, the broadcasting rights for Formula 1 in several markets are held by major networks. Viewers can catching all practice sessions, qualifying, and races through the designated channels and streaming services available in their country. The coverage typically includes live streams, replays, and expert commentary to enhance the viewing experience. [citation: official broadcast rights summary].
Platforms may include standalone subscriptions or bundles with other services, offering access to live timing and race control audio for fans who want deeper, real-time insights. If access to the primary channels is unavailable, races are usually streamed through alternate official feeds or authorized platforms. Fans are encouraged to follow official race-day updates and timings through the sport’s governing bodies and team communications. [citation: broadcast partners statements].