Saudi Arabia Grand Prix 2023: What time does the race start, what TV channel is it on and latest odds

Max Verstappen got his title defence off to a flying start in Bahrain, leading a comfortable Red Bull one-two finish as he attempts to win a third successive championship in a row. 

However, things did not go his way in Saturday’s qualifying for the second race of the season, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, retiring from Q2 with a driveshaft failure. He will start down in 15th. 

His team-mate Sergio Perez took pole and will start ahead of Fernando Alonso and George Russell for Sunday’s grand prix. 

When is it?

The 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix runs from Friday March 17 until Sunday March 19. 

What time do the sessions start?

Friday, March 17

First practice –  1.30pm GMT
Second practice – 5pm

Saturday, March 18

Third practice – 1.30pm
Qualifying – 5pm

Sunday, March 19

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – 5pm

What were the times after qualifying?

1. Sergio Perez (Mex) Red Bull 1min 28.265secs
2. Charles Leclerc (Mon) Ferrari 1:28.420
3. Fernando Alonso (Spa) Aston Martin 1:28.730
4. George Russell (Gbr) Mercedes GP 1:28.857
5. Carlos Sainz Jr. (Spa) Ferrari 1:28.931
6. Lance Stroll (Can) Aston Martin 1:28.945
7. Esteban Ocon (Fra) Alpine 1:29.078
8. Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) Mercedes GP 1:29.223
9. Oscar Piastri (Aus) McLaren 1:29.243
10. Pierre Gasly (Fra) Alpine 1:29.357
11. Nico Hulkenberg (Ger) MoneyGram Haas F1 1:29.451
12. Guanyu Zhou (Chn) Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake 1:29.461
13. Kevin Magnussen (Den) MoneyGram Haas F1 1:29.517
14. Valtteri Bottas (Fin) Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake 1:29.668
15. Max Verstappen (Ned) Red Bull 1:49.953
16. Yuki Tsunoda (Jpn) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:29.939
17. Alexander Albon (Tha) Williams 1:29.994
18. Nyck de Vries (Ned) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:30.244
19. Lando Norris (Gbr) McLaren 1:30.447
20. Logan Sargeant (USA) Williams 2:08.510

What TV channel is it on?

Sky Sports F1 have near-exclusive live coverage rights in the UK this year and indeed for the next few with their usual excellent team. 

Sky’s qualifying program starts at 4pm GMT on Saturday, with their race coverage at 3.30pm on Sunday. 

Channel 4 also have extended highlights coverage this year. Their qualifying coverage begins at 8.50pm GMT on Saturday with race highlights from 10.15pm the following day. 

• Watch the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix through Sky Sports

What do we know about the Jeddah Corniche Circuit?

• Circuit length: 6.174km
• First grand prix: 2021
• Laps: 50
• Race distance: 308.45km
• Lap record: 1:30.734 (Lewis Hamilton, 2021)
• Number of corners: 27
• Overtaking chances: It was an unknown before the inaugural race in November 2021, but in the end the final result was that it was possible, especially at the first run of corners. The duel between Verstappen and Leclerc shows that a game of ‘DRS chicken’ cannot be ruled out, although the DRS zones have been tweaked slightly as well as a few other changes on the track.

What are the current standings?

Drivers: top 10

Constructors:

What are the latest odds?

• Sergio Perez 21/20
• Max Verstappen 11/8
• Fernando Alonso 5/1
• George Russell 25/1
• Carlos Sainz, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc 50/1